Donald Trump has been given the green light by FIFA to remain part of the World Cup trophy lift - 12 months on from him doing so when Chelsea won the Club World Cup
Donald Trump could break FIFA protocol come the World Cup final
Donald Trump could break FIFA protocol come the World Cup final(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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Donald Trump has been given the green light to join the World Cup trophy lift - just as he did in controversial fashion at last summer's FIFA Club World Cup.
The USA, who are hosting the bulk of this summer's matches, also held the club version 12 months ago, which was won by Chelsea. When the president presented Reece James with the trophy he failed to exit the stage, instead staying put and remained part of the celebrations.
FIFA has no objections of him repeating that trick, reports talkSPORT, even though it would break traditional protocols. FIFA protocol is usually for the trophy to remain on a plinth and be carried by a member of the winning team onto the celebration podium.
Sources claim that FIFA will leave it up to Trump as to whether he want to stay in with the team during the lift or leave and watch the ceremony. Those at the White House believe Trump will again choose to celebrate with the champion team.
The US president has already been told FIFA wish him to hand over the World Cup trophy to the eventual champions. Mexican and Canadian officials will be invited to appear at the closing ceremony.
Trump's decision to remain with the Chelsea players last year following their victory over PSG led to some awkward moments, many of which were captured on camera. Trump handed the trophy to James but, rather than leave as would be expected, stuck around.
The Blues captain, who was last quizzed on the event, admitted he was surprised. He said: "Answering your question, before, they told me that he was going to present the trophy and then exit the stage, and I thought that he was going to exit the stage, but he wanted to stay."
The US President stood with the Chelsea players after they won the Club World Cup last year
The US President stood with the Chelsea players after they won the Club World Cup last year(Image: Getty Images)
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Cole Palmer, who scored twice in the final at the MetLife Stadium, said afterwards: "I knew he was going to be here but I didn't know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy. I was a bit confused, yes."
Trump was absent at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles for the USA’s first game of the World Cup, which they won handsomely against Paraguay. His absence was due to a “tight schedule”, according to the executive director of the White House, Andrew Giuliani.
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