WASHINGTON, July 22. /Dunyo IA/. U.S. President Donald Trump is considering FIFA President Gianni Infantino as a candidate for the position of United Nations Secretary-General after Antonio Guterres leaves office, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to “The New York Post,” the American leader believes that the head of world football is capable of bringing countries together and improving relations with the international organization.

Gianni Infantino, who is 56 years old, became closer to Donald Trump during the preparations for and the holding of the World Cup. In December last year, the FIFA president presented him with the first FIFA Peace Prize. A source close to the U.S. president told the publication that Donald Trump considers him a person who is “respected around the world.”

The election of a new UN Secretary-General is expected to take place this year. The current head of the organization, Antonio Guterres, will leave office at the end of December. To be appointed, a candidate will require the support of the UN Security Council and approval by the General Assembly.

It is not yet known whether Gianni Infantino himself is interested in the position or whether the American president has discussed the idea with him. His possible nomination could change the traditional approach to selecting a secretary-general, as it had previously been expected that the next UN leader would represent Latin America or the Caribbean region. Other candidates reportedly include former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and Argentine Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

“Only President Donald Trump could have such a genius idea,” said U.S. Special Envoy for Global Partnerships Paolo Zampolli, noting that Infantino could bring new energy to the work of the UN and use sport to strengthen international ties.

At the same time, the possible appointment of the FIFA president could spark controversy because of his close relationship with Donald Trump. Earlier, Gianni Infantino faced criticism in Europe following the situation involving the suspension of U.S. national team striker Folarin Balogun. After Donald Trump appealed, FIFA reviewed the decision to punish the player ahead of the match against Belgium, which led to accusations of political interference.

In addition, Gianni Infantino has already announced his intention to run for re-election as FIFA president. The election is scheduled for March. If he were to move to the UN, he would have to significantly reduce his income: his salary at FIFA is around $6 million per year, while the head of the UN receives approximately $418,000.