This earliest glimpse into the political life of the current Fifa president is perhaps revealing for two reasons. He disclosed that his presence had been solicited at the personal request of President Trump. It was Saudi money – funnelled indirectly into Fifa’s coffers through an eye-wateringly expensive broadcast deal – that helped to fund the Club World Cup. Like Trump, Infantino would not allow himself to become a prisoner of history. Traditionally, only players who have won the World Cup are allowed to touch the cup itself.
