The relationship between FIFA and the Trump government will be central today if the US president attends the final between Chelsea and PSG. Security measures will be considerably increased, whereby FIFA and the law enforcement encourage fans to arrive at the Metlife Stadium three hours before the kick -off, which is planned for 3 p.m. et. Participants can expect stricter checks and impressions than with every previous game in the tournament.
Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump have maintained a narrow working relationship, in which both work together to bring the club World Cup to the United States, and to prepare the country as one of the three co-hosts of next year's extensive men. Infantino confirmed the presence of the president during a media event, of course, Trump Tower in Manhattan:
“The first time I visited the White House, I looked out the window and there was a football goal in the garden. Trump told me that he enjoys the sport, just like his partner and children. He is the president of the host country and one of the most important donors of both World Cup. It will be fantastic to have him there.”
A colossal stage for the club World Cup
The heart of this intersection between sport and politics will be the Metlife Stadium in New Jersey, although FIFA has officially labeled the location as “New York/New Jersey”, because all teams and fans stay in Manhattan.
With a capacity of 82,566, the stadium will buzz again, just as it was for the semi -final. Fluminen vs. Chelsea attracted 70.566 fans, and PSG vs. Real Madrid brought in 77,542, pressed the same footing with what the NFL's New York Giants and Jets usually attract.
Metlife was opened in 2010 for an amount of € 1.37 billion and was adapted for football during the World Cup club, although some functions of the NFL remain unchanged. Among them: the massive changing rooms, much larger than typical European football facilities.
“Teams have access to everything. If they want extra equipment or catering, they pay from their own pocket. We also organized team inputs one by one – something that the players really enjoyed,” said Luis Castro, match director of FIFA at Metlife.
Infantino received criticism during the tournament, in particular about the qualification system that weaker teams such as Auckland City – who lost 10-0 to Bayern – were able to participate, while champions of the Premier League, Liga or Serie A were omitted.
“Several large clubs contacted us asking how they could come in, especially if a place has been opened. Of course we would like to have United, Liverpool, Barcelona, Tottenham … But there are criteria and you have to be eligible.”
By the figures
The World Cup Club has drawn an average presence of more than 40,000 per match – “more than every European competition,” said FIFA – and has far exceeded financial expectations.
“We have generated more than $ 1.78 billion in income. That is $ 26 million per match. No other club tournament comes close,” said Infantino.
Ronaldo Nazário, sitting next to the FIFA president, took a shot among critics:
“I only hear two people complaining about the World Cup Club. People hate anything but Laliga …” – a thin -veiled wipe to Laliga -Baas Javier Tebas. He also referred to Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp: “The other … We respect his opinion, but it does not reflect what we see from the fans – their enthusiasm, the quality of the competitions, the success of this competition.”
Today, the FIFAs entourage of football legends will come together for the final, which concludes a one -month stay in the US and with Trump in the stands, the spotlight will be just as political as sporty.
Trump, literally, pays the bill for the party.
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