U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly wants to nominate FIFA President Gianni Infantino as the next Secretary General of the United Nations, according to the US media outlet New York Post.
Citing a source close to Trump in a report published on Tuesday, Infantino is believed by Trump to be globally respected and possesses a special ability to build unity among people.
According to the report, the 56 year old Switzerland born Infantino developed a close relationship with Trump during this year's World Cup. The report also noted that Infantino presented Trump with FIFA's inaugural Peace Prize during this time.
The successor to current Secretary General Antonio Guterres will serve a five year term starting on January 1, 2027.
Under Article 97 of the UN Charter, the General Assembly appoints the Secretary General upon the recommendation of the Security Council.
To be elected to this position, a candidate must first secure the support of the 15 member Security Council, where a veto from any of the five permanent members can cancel the candidacy, followed by approval from the General Assembly.
The report further stated that Trump has long criticized the role of the UN in resolving major international conflicts.
Since returning to power, he has significantly reduced US funding to the UN and withdrawn the United States from several UN affiliated agencies, including the World Health Organization.
