FIFA President Tries — and Fails — to Usher Trump Off Stage as Chelsea Celebrates World Cup Win

FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s attempt to discreetly usher President Donald Trump off the stage failed Sunday night, leaving Chelsea soccer players visibly baffled as Trump lingered and remained front and center during their ceremonial Club World Cup trophy lift.

After handing team captain Reece James the trophy following Chelsea’s 3–0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, Trump remained among the players – despite protocol dictating a swift exit. Instead, he stood through the celebration, prompting confused glances from the squad, including a visibly puzzled look from player Cole Palmer.

The president had been invited to hand over the trophy, but remained standing among the jubilant players as they celebrated. This, despite Infantino’s attempt to encourage him to step aside.

Trump seemed to be having a great time, but the moment drew audible boos from sections of the 81,000-strong crowd and visible confusion from Chelsea’s stars – with Palmer caught on camera mouthing to James: “What is he doing?”

It fell to Infantino to return to the stage and awkwardly usher Trump off the platform in a diplomatic rescue that saw the president subtly walked to the back of the stage so the team could have their celebration.

Speaking to the media afterwards, Palmer said: “I knew he was going to be here, but I didn’t know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy. I was a bit confused, yes.”

James was equally bemused. “They told me that he was going to present the trophy and then exit the stage, and I thought that he was going to exit the stage, but he wanted to stay.”

Watch above via CNN.