He followed Trump around and ended up... Club World Cup Cut Racism Campaign, Why?

Jun 19, 2025

He followed Trump around and ended up... Club World Cup Cut Racism Campaign, Why?
AFP Yonhap News



'No racial discrimination' is one of the phrases that symbolizes the FIFA-hosted competition. Emphasize that everyone is equal with football regardless of race or country. The captains of 32 countries who participated in the 2022 Qatar World Cup were given armbands that meant no discrimination, and last month, they also introduced disciplinary rules related to racism.

However, this is not noticeable at this Club World Cup. FIFA planned to use anti-discrimination slogans in this tournament, but they are not implementing them. Instead, they are using the phrase `football brings the world together.' In response, The Athletic, a U.S. sports media outlet, reported that `Some believe that FIFA's move may be related to the policy of U.S. President Donald Trump.'

In January, President Trump ordered the federal government to end its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) program. In line with this, several U.S. companies have also terminated or scaled back related programs.




He followed Trump around and ended up... Club World Cup Cut Racism Campaign, Why?
ReutersYonhap News
It can also be related to FIFA President Gianni Infantino's actions. Infantino has been in frequent contact with President Trump. After he took office as president, he visited the White House with the Club World Cup trophy. Last month, even during the FIFA General Assembly, President Alexander Chepelin and officials from the UEFA member states left the group after accompanying President Trump on his trip to the Middle East. It is worth raising doubts that Infantino's influence, who has maintained a close relationship with President Trump, may have led to a reduction in FIFA policy at the Club World Cup.

The U.S. Human Rights Football Association (HRSA) said on the BBC that `I am disappointed that FIFA has taken a step back from the anti-discrimination message that has been delivered at international competitions.' `The value of anti-discrimination and inclusion in football still exists, but these values should be emphasized continuously. The phrase 'football unites the world' does not clearly convey this", he pointed out. Kick-it-out, a British anti-discrimination organization, also expressed concern about FIFA's move at the Club World Cup. FIFA has not made an official position in this regard.





This article was translated by Naver AI translator.