In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles, former US President Donald Trump has alleged he presented a highly unorthodox solution to the war in Ukraine during a private meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
The contentious proposal, detailed in an upcoming biography of former FIFA president Sepp Blatter by journalist Philippe Grelard, suggests Trump advised Putin to broker peace by offering Russia the prestigious 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament.
A Controversial Diplomatic Gambit
According to the forthcoming book, the extraordinary conversation took place during a meeting between the two leaders. Trump reportedly posited that offering Russia the World Cup could serve as a powerful incentive for Moscow to seek a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The revelation has drawn immediate criticism from international relations experts and political figures alike, who have questioned the appropriateness of leveraging a global sporting event as a bargaining chip in geopolitical conflicts.
FIFA's Troubled History with Russia
The proposal becomes even more remarkable given the context of Russia's previous hosting of the World Cup. The 2018 tournament, awarded to Russia in 2010, was already mired in controversy amid allegations of corruption within FIFA's selection process.
Furthermore, Russia's hosting rights were already secured years before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, adding another layer of complexity to Trump's alleged suggestion.
International Reaction and Criticism
Political analysts have been quick to condemn the proposed approach. Many have argued that using international sporting events as diplomatic leverage sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the integrity of global competitions.
The revelation comes at a sensitive time in international relations, with ongoing efforts to find peaceful solutions to the conflict in Ukraine through more conventional diplomatic channels.
The Blatter Connection
The disclosure emerges from a biography of Sepp Blatter, the former FIFA president who oversaw the organization during the controversial awarding of the 2018 World Cup to Russia. Blatter himself has faced numerous allegations regarding corruption during his tenure.
This latest revelation adds another intriguing chapter to the complex relationship between international sports governance and global politics, raising new questions about how sporting events are leveraged in diplomatic discussions.
