The President of IOC Calls Trump the Heartfelt Supporter of Sports

The newly elected president of the United States has been described as a "heartfelt supporter of sports" by International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach in a statement to the German press agency (DPA).

Despite having the political tensions and the California wildfires, Bach believes that the World Cup 2026 and the Olympics are guaranteed.

The Olympic leader has stressed: "Donald Trump was involved in the bidding phase of both events, campaigning in a way to support the World Cup and the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028. That is why I am sure he will support this."

The World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, and the Olympic Games 2028 have become the subject of speculation due to the political conflicts which Trump has with these countries and criticism of California Governor, Mr. Gavin Newsom in connection with the recent fires that devastated Los Angeles City.

Trump, in particular, has repeatedly promised to impose heavy taxes on the Host of World Cup, while mocking them with ideas like renaming the Gulf of Mexico or incorporating Canada as the 51st state of the United States.

Despite such this problem, Mr. Bach does not believe that the conflicts will not affect both sporting events. Additionally, amid the fire, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to the Olympic Games during a meeting with Casey Wasserman, the head of the organizing committee.

Trump declared: “These are America’s Games. They are more important to Los Angeles City than ever. I will support them in every way possible and make them the best Games ever.”

Although the fire did not directly affect at the Olympic Venues, such as the Riviera Country Club course, which is planned for golf, the flames have caused concern in some nearby areas. Mr. Wasserman thanked Trump for his support, and emphasized that: “We appreciate his commitment at a time of devastation for our region.”

As for soccer, the president-elect’s support also seems to be showing. This week, he met at his golf course in Florida with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, sharing a photo on social media with Trump, along with the caption: “We talked about the Club World Cup this summer and the 2026 World Cup. Two truly global competitions which the United States will play a major role.”

The IOC leader, who will end his term in March, has confirmed that he has had an open dialogue with Trump during his first term and congratulated Trump on his recent election victory. However, he has ruled out the new talks before he ends his tenure as Olympic president.