Title:

Preserve the Tradition: Keep the FIFA World Cup Trophy Lift for the Champions

To: FIFA President Gianni Infantino and FIFA

The FIFA World Cup is the world's greatest sporting event. It unites billions of people across borders, cultures, and beliefs. The trophy presentation is one of football's most iconic traditions, and it should remain focused on the players who earned it.

Recent reports suggest that U.S. President Donald Trump may not only present the FIFA World Cup Trophy but also remain on the podium during the trophy lift. If this were to become acceptable, the same opportunity would logically have to be extended to the leaders of the other host nations, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. That would fundamentally change the tradition of the FIFA World Cup and shift the focus away from the champions.

This is not a political issue. It is about protecting the integrity of the game and preserving one of sport's most cherished traditions.

Many fans around the world have expressed concern about changing this long-standing ceremony. We believe supporters everywhere want the trophy lift to remain what it has always been—a celebration shared by the players and the global football community.

We respectfully urge FIFA to uphold its traditional World Cup trophy presentation protocol:

Present the trophy to the winning captain.
Allow dignitaries to congratulate the team.
Step aside before the trophy is lifted.
Reserve the celebration exclusively for the winning team.
This principle should apply equally to every political leader, head of state, celebrity, or dignitary, regardless of nationality or office.

The defining image of the FIFA World Cup should always be the champions lifting the trophy they earned through dedication, sacrifice, and excellence.

Protect the tradition. Protect the players. Protect the moment.