A growing controversy over an unprecedented intervention in a major football tournament has put the long-standing relationship between US President Donald Trump and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino back under scrutiny. From White House meetings and Mar-a-Lago discussions to joint appearances at FIFA events, the two leaders have shared a close working relationship for years. But with questions now being raised over a controversial decision involving the U.S. team, the debate has shifted beyond football: is the world’s biggest sport becoming vulnerable to political influence, or is this simply the reality of sport at the highest level?
