Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the Club World Cup trophy displayed in the Oval Office is to remain permanently. FIFA will provide Chelsea with a replica of the trophy after their victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the championship on Sunday.

According to Thai News Agency, President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino were present at the Club World Cup final, where they presented the trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James. The event took an unexpected turn when Trump took center stage to receive the trophy, leaving James and his teammates puzzled.

The trophy first appeared in the Oval Office in March and has become a regular feature. Trump mentioned to reporters that he inquired about collecting the trophy permanently, to which FIFA President Infantino agreed, stating that FIFA is working on a new replica for Chelsea. The specific differences between the original and the replica remain unspecified.

Trump further stated his intention to change the term ‘soccer’ to ‘football’ in the United States through an executive order. He cited international recognition of the U.S. as a leading country due to its economic and political positions. Trump emphasized the unifying power of hosting the FIFA Club World Cup and FIFA World Cup, viewing football as a global connector.

Nonetheless, the upcoming World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, could encounter challenges due to the Trump administration’s policies. Travel bans could affect international soccer fans’ ability to attend, despite exceptions for athletes and officials. Additionally, concerns regarding immigration raids and extended visa wait times may discourage fans from attending the event in the U.S.