Shocking twist: Trump allegedly kept real FIFA Club World Cup trophy — Chelsea left holding a fake

Before the final match of the FIFA Club World Cup, U.S. President Donald Trump told broadcaster DAZN that FIFA gave him the original trophy to keep. Trump said FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the White House in March and brought the trophy with him.

According to Trump, Infantino told him, “Could you hold this trophy for a little while?” — and later said, “We’re never going to pick it up. You can have it forever in the Oval Office.” Trump added that FIFA made a new version of the trophy for the winners, while the original stayed in the White House, as stated by the Independent.

Chelsea got a fake trophy

This means Chelsea, who beat PSG in the final, actually got a replica instead of the real $230,000 trophy. The original trophy is gold-plated and designed by Tiffany & Co., featuring a spinning ring design, as per the Daily Beast report.


Trump joked during the interview that he might sign an executive order to change the name of “soccer” to “football” in the U.S. When the interviewer suggested it seriously, Trump replied: “I think I could do that.”

Trump took over the celebration

During the final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, Trump was booed by fans when shown on the screen with Melania. He later went on the pitch with Infantino to present the medals and the trophy to Chelsea, as per the report by Independent.

Infantino, who is close to Trump, has visited Washington D.C. 10 times since Trump returned to office. FIFA also moved its New York office to Trump Tower recently, showing their growing bond, as per the Daily Beast report.

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After presenting the trophy, Trump stayed on stage with Chelsea players, which surprised and confused them. Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s star who scored twice, said: “I didn’t know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy. I was a bit confused”, as stated by the reports.

Captain Reece James also said they were told Trump would leave after handing over the trophy, but he didn’t. Reports also say Infantino gave Trump a winner’s medal, though it’s not confirmed if Trump kept it, as stated in the report by The Athletic.

Trump made the final more about himself — from being booed to staying on stage during Chelsea’s celebration, according to the report by Daily Beast.

FAQs

Q1. Did Donald Trump keep the real FIFA Club World Cup trophy?
Yes, Trump said FIFA gave him the original trophy to keep in the Oval Office, and Chelsea received a replica instead.

Q2. Why did Chelsea get a fake Club World Cup trophy?
Because FIFA President Infantino gifted the original to Trump, saying they would make a new one for the winners.