The Chelsea squad was surprised that U.S. President Donald Trump remained on stage during the Club World Cup awards ceremony. FIFA President Gianni Infantino eventually ensured that Trump disappeared from view.
Chelsea won the final against Paris Saint-Germain in New York with 3-0 thanks to goals from Cole Palmer (twice) and João Pedro. Trump reported to the award ceremony and celebrated with the Chelsea selection. Infantino eventually directed Trump to the back.
“I knew he would be there, but I didn’t know he would stay on stage as we lifted the trophy,” Palmer said afterwards at the press conference. “It did surprise me.”
Reece James also thought Trump would leave the stage. “But he wanted to stay a little longer. The fact that he is celebrating the party may show how big this tournament is. He congratulated me and the team.”
Trump was complimentary about Infantino and FIFA after the World Cup final. “I had a great time. This is a wonderful sport. Gianni is a friend of mine. He has done a great job.”
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FIFA boss Infantino pushes Trump away from celebrating Chelsea players
Infantino: ‘World Cup a huge success’
Infantino was already enthusiastic about the progress of the renewed tournament in the United States prior to the World Cup final. “The Golden Age of club football has now officially begun. The Club World Cup is a huge success,” said the FIFA president.
“Of course there are both positive and negative aspects. We respect every opinion. But the numbers say it has been a great success. On average there were around 40,000 spectators per match. Apart from the Premier League, no competition achieves these figures.”