FIFA has removed Donald Trump from the official photo of the World Cup trophy lift after the US President breached protocol for the second time during Spain's victory celebration. The image, published across FIFA's social media pages, shows only a slight part of Trump's body, with the podium lettering kept intact.
Trump Stays on Stage Despite FIFA Protocol
During the July 19 World Cup final in which Spain beat Argentina with an extra-time winner from Ferran Torres, Trump presented medals to both teams alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino. After handing the trophy to Spain's captain Rodri, Trump remained on the stage instead of exiting, violating standard FIFA protocol that stipulates the trophy should be placed on a plinth and carried onto the podium by a member of the victorious side.
Infantino appeared to urge Trump to leave the stage moments before Rodri lifted the trophy, but the US President ignored the cue. This incident mirrors Trump's behavior at the Club World Cup trophy lift at MetLife Stadium last July, when he stayed with Chelsea's team during their celebration, leaving players baffled.
Repeat of Club World Cup Incident
Trump's breach of protocol has now occurred at every FIFA trophy lift he has attended. During the Club World Cup, Chelsea captain Reece James 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." Chelsea's Cole Palmer added: "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."
FIFA's decision to crop Trump from the official image underscores the organization's disapproval of the protocol breach. The move highlights ongoing tensions between FIFA and the US President over adherence to ceremonial standards.
