Roger Federer? Infantino, president of FIFA?Switzerland's tariff bomb, touching cards for Trump's favor
Aug 13, 2025
|
According to the Swiss daily Tagess Angeiger, consulting firm Kloepel Group insisted on sending tennis star Federer to tariff negotiations. This is because U.S. President Donald Trump is known to be very weak against celebrities and Americans love Federer. President Trump was also spotted watching the final of the U.S. Open, which Federer won in 2008, with his family. In particular, this argument is supported by the fact that Federer is an advertising model for domestic exporters such as Rolex watches, Lindt chocolates, and Yura coffee machines. However, Martin Hoffman, CEO of On, a shoe company in which Federer participates as a management, drew a line that he has no intention of sending Federer to tariff negotiations. On is less hit by Vietnam, a major production site, being subject to a 20% tariff rate.
Some argued that Infantino, who is close to Trump, should be put into negotiations for FIFA president. FIFA President Infantino has had a friendly relationship with Trump at a number of official events (visiting the White House, award ceremonies, etc.), and has actively used his friendship with Trump to secure support from the U.S. government, especially in relation to the 2026 World Cup (co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico) and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. In fact, he also sat side by side with Trump in the 2025 Club World Cup final and showed off his relationship to the extent that FIFA opened an official office at Trump Tower in New York. At the time, Infantino called him `one of the most important figures in hosting the World Cup and running a successful tournament' and Trump also praised Infantino, referring to him as a"friend" and"successful leader". Switzerland's President and Finance Minister Karin Keller also told local media that `I will not oppose it if people who know Trump have a conversation, although it is not official.'
|
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who took his country's golfer Ernie Els to the White House in May, did not have much effect as President Trump questioned South Africa's allegations of 'white farmer mass murder'. Ernie Els is considered a "pro-Trump figure" who has played golf with Trump several times and posted messages of congratulations on his inauguration on social media. Earlier, Trump also donated to Ells' Autistic Children's Foundation, which is known as a 'separate relationship'.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
