Donald Trump expected to break FIFA protocol in World Cup final moment
We've had less than a week of actual football action at the World Cup and yet it's almost certain to go down as one of the most controversial in history.
It was perhaps always going to be the case with the US as one of the hosts of football's biggest tournament, especially after Donald Trump announced his travel ban list last year.
The visa rules have already caused a lot of chaos, with players, referees and fans all denied entry into the US this summer, despite politician Andrew Giuliani insisting that Trump wanted to 'welcome the world' for a summer of sporting action.
Although the US have been toeing the line when it comes to FIFA's rules on stadium names, it seems as if Trump will break a major FIFA protocol when it comes to the final on July 19.
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Just as we saw in the Club World Cup last summer, it seems as if the president wishes to hand the iconic trophy to the winning captain of the tournament, and then stay on stage for the celebrations.
Now, that could be very awkward for the players, especially if Iran surprise everyone by going all the way, but the 80-year-old is seemingly determined to be the centre of attention, and talkSPORT suggest that FIFA have no issue with that idea.
Canadian and Mexican officials could also be invited to be part of the closing ceremony, but it looks as if Trump will have the major moment when it comes to celebrating the eventual winners.
Speaking at last summer's Club World Cup final, the president said: "It's about unity, it's about everybody getting together and a lot of love between countries.
"I guess this is probably the most international sport, so it can really bring the world together."
Although the US has faced intense scrutiny for its treatment of the Iranian squad and Somalian referee Omar Artan in particular, Giuliani told talkSPORT that everything has been done in the interest of the US and the tournament.
He said: "What president Trump has been clear on, is he wants to welcome the world that wants to enjoy the World Cup, that wants to participate and be a part of this World Cup here to the United States of America during this incredible tournament.
“But he’s not going to let the guise of a soccer tournament come in and give bad actors a potential opportunity to take action in the United States.”
It's likely that Trump's presence at the World Cup celebrations will cause even more controversy, with Cole Palmer left even more confused than usual after he was joined on stage by the world leader last summer.
The Chelsea star said: "No, I knew he was going to be there, but I didn't know he was going to be on the stand when we lift the trophy.
"So, I was a bit confused."
Considering Trump's history of mixing football and politics, which also saw him discuss bombing Iran in front of the Juventus' squad, it won't come as much of a surprise if and when the World Cup final becomes about him rather than the winners.
Topics: World Cup, Donald Trump, Football, Politics, Sport
James Moorhouse