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It is incredible that FIFA president Gianni Infantino himself missed his own congress to meet with Donald Trump in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which led to the withdrawal of European officials. This has led some to suggest the unthinkable: a boycott of the 2026 World Cup.
Critics claim that the relationship between Trump and Infantino highlights corruption and its deep ties to authoritarian regimes, and UEFA accuses Infantino of abuse of power for political gain.
2026 World Cup in danger
Qatar hosted the last World Cup and, even more controversially, Saudi Arabia won the bid to host the 2034 World Cup unopposed.
Minky Worden, director of global initiatives at Human Rights Watch, said Infantino's trip was an indication of the lack of "meaningful ability" at the highest level of football and called on him to "detail precisely his achievements for football and human rights".
The controversy adds to fears that Trump's tough immigration policies will deter fans from traveling to the United States after recent horror stories about tourists being detained.
Others have mocked Infantino and Trump for sharing three key traits: a love of money, a thirst for power and rampant narcissism.
It is not yet known whether Qatar will also give Infantino a $400 million plane, but would it surprise anyone if it did?
UEFA, for its part, accused Infantino of pursuing "private political interests" over his responsibility to football.
Angry statements have little or no effect on the behavior of Infantino and/or Trump. That is why more and more people are calling for more radical action and to hit Trump and Infantino where it hurts most: in the pocket.
This includes a partial boycott of the 2026 World Cup, with countries refusing to play matches in the United States and insisting that all matches be moved to co-hosts Canada and Mexico.