Trump Confirms FIFA Club World Cup Trophy Stays in U.S.

Chelsea FC celebrated their victory in the FIFA Club World Cup on March 15, 2024, defeating Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) with a convincing score of 3-0 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. However, the post-match festivities were overshadowed by the revelation from former U.S. President Donald Trump that the original trophy will remain in the United States rather than being returned to the club.

The match saw Chelsea’s Cole Palmer score two goals within the first half hour, while Joao Pedro added a third goal before halftime, sealing a decisive win. The triumph marked a significant achievement for Chelsea, but the trophy presentation became a talking point when Trump spoke to DAZN following the match. He disclosed that during a conversation with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, it was made clear that the original trophy would remain in the Oval Office.

Trump stated, “They said: ‘Could you hold this trophy for a little while?’ We put it in the Oval Office and then I said: ‘When are you going to pick up the trophy?’ And he [Infantino] said: ‘We’re never going to pick it up, you can have it forever in the Oval Office.'” According to Trump, FIFA had produced a new trophy for the club while the original one stays with him.

The atmosphere during the medal ceremony was mixed, as Trump faced a chorus of boos from some fans. Chelsea players appeared bewildered by Trump’s presence on stage as they celebrated their hard-earned victory. Captain Reece James lifted the trophy, and later commented on the situation, saying, “To be honest, it was quite loud. I couldn’t hear too much. He just congratulated me and the team for lifting the trophy and told us to enjoy the moment.”

Palmer, who played a pivotal role in the match, expressed his surprise at Trump’s continued presence during the trophy lift. “I knew he was going to be here, but I didn’t know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy. I was a bit confused, yeah,” he admitted.

Defender Levi Colwill recounted that the expectation was for Trump to leave the stage before the trophy presentation. “They told me that he was going to present the trophy and then exit the stage, and I thought that he was going to exit the stage, but he wanted to stay,” Colwill said.

As the evening unfolded, Chelsea’s victory was marred by the unexpected distraction of Trump’s presence, leaving players and fans alike to reflect on a triumph overshadowed by political controversy. The trophy itself, now a symbol of the club’s achievements, will remain in the U.S., a decision that may continue to spark discussions among football fans worldwide.