Why Donald Trump Was Allowed to Touch World Cup Trophy
FIFA rules allow heads of state like Donald Trump to touch the World Cup trophy. Fans falsely claimed he broke football protocol.
US President Donald Trump sitting next to FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the World Cup final
Trump Touches Trophy in Suite
Former Brazil striker Ronaldo Nazario presented the original trophy to Trump during the opening minutes of the match. The US President tapped the iconic prize three times before smiling at the Brazilian legend.
Fans quickly flooded social media with complaints about Trump touching the trophy. Many users claimed that only tournament winners are permitted to touch Football's ultimate prize.
Official FIFA Guidelines on Handling
Official FIFA guidelines confirm that Trump did not break any official regulations. The governing body restricts physical contact to a very select group of people.
This privilege belongs to heads of state, FIFA officials, and former World Cup winners. As a sitting president, Trump sits directly within the allowed category.
Past Breaches of Protocol
Other celebrities have improperly handled the trophy during previous tournaments. Pop singer Rihanna held the trophy during Germany's victory party in Brazil in 2014.
Celebrity chef Salt Bae faced severe backlash after holding the trophy on the pitch in Qatar in 2022. FIFA later investigated how unauthorized individuals gained access to the field after the match.