Featured Image Credit: ABC/Getty
Topics: FIFA, Gianni Infantino, Football, FIFA World Cup, Football World Cup, United States
Ben McCrum
Topics: FIFA, Gianni Infantino, Football, FIFA World Cup, Football World Cup, United States
People were shocked after seeing what FIFA president Gianni Infantino did during Donald Trump's presidential inauguration.
On Monday, Trump was officially sworn in as the 47th President of the United States of America, replacing former President Joe Biden.
Several of the biggest names in sport attended the inauguration in Washington D.C, including Conor McGregor, Joe Rogan and Mike Tyson.
FIFA president Infantino also attended the ceremony, and people couldn't believe what he was spotted doing during the Trump's speech.
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After being sworn in for his second term as President of the USA, Trump announced that he would officially be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
The decision has been met with mixed reactions from both his supporters and political rivals, but people noticed that Infantino controversially reacted by laughing at the comment.
Reacting to a clip of the moment on social media, one football fan wrote: "Wonder how the Mexico hosts of the 2026 World Cup feel about Infantino (back left) laughing along at this."
While one wrote: "If you don’t laugh, you'll cry to be fair."
And one suggested: "I Think he is laughing at Trump like the rest of the World."
However, although some fans aren't convinced the moment means much, it certainly could lead to some uproar in Mexico ahead of them co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with the USA and Canada.
But, despite laughing at Trump's comment, the 54-year-old took to social media after the ceremony to praise the US President and thank him for inviting him.
Writing about his experience at the inauguration on his Instagram, Infantino said: "What an incredible honour and privilege it is for FIFA and me, as FIFA President, to be acknowledged by President Donald J. Trump during his victory rally speech in Washington DC.
"Mr Trump, your public show of support, as the new President of the United States, for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in particular, is a moment of great respect for FIFA and also the continued growth of our game around the world.
"I thank you wholeheartedly and assure you that together we will ensure America welcomes the World and Football Unites the World."