The climax of the show came long before the first draw for the World Cup. Donald Trump received the newly established FIFA Peace Prize from the hands of its boss and close friend of the US president - Gianni Infantino. A solid sculpture was brought to the stage, and in addition to it, Trump also received a medal, which he personally decorated himself.
The delegation from Iran, which became the target of US bombings in the summer, watched the scene with indifference, just like the representatives of Colombia and South Africa, whose governments are in conflict with the US, notes ARD. The German public media writes that the same applies to representatives of Curacao, in whose coastal waters the US military is pursuing boatmen suspected of transporting drugs.
"The president loves recognition"
However, political realities are one thing, the FIFA show is another. Trump and Infantino used the opportunity for self-promotion and marketing. "This is in the interest of the World Cup business", Lisa Neuroti, a professor of sports science at "George Washington University", told ARD. "The president simply loves to be recognized for his work, and the government invests a lot in the championship." Is the award a thank-you for Trump? Why not?
However, the feelings behind the scenes were mixed, the German public media points out. German national coach Julian Nagelsmann, for example, noted that 90 minutes of show business before moving on to sports is too much.
But he did not criticize Trump's peace prize either. The award was an incentive "to stand up for world peace," Nagelsmann said. As US president, Trump was among the most influential people in the world and had the chance to "do a lot for peace." .
Between a publicity fair and a Saturday night show
As FIFA's statute states, it must be apolitical. But the organization interprets this rule quite loosely when it comes to money. And when it comes to money, US football has a lot to catch up on, ARD writes.
During the draw in Washington, which was something between a publicity fair and a Saturday night show, no sparks flew. But still, this was only the beginning of a whole series of campaigns that are of paramount importance for the USA and FIFA.
Author: Samuel Jackfish