The Athletic FC Podcast Summary: "How will Trump impact football in the U.S.?"

Release Date: January 23, 2025
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
Guests: Felipe Cardenas (Atlanta and Burlington, Vermont, Athletics), Meg Linehan (Women's Sports Lead), Adam Crafton (New York)

1. Introduction to the Topic

In this episode, Ayo Akim Mule sets the stage by highlighting the return of Donald Trump as the President of the United States and his potential influence on major football (soccer) events hosted in the U.S., including the FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted with Canada and Mexico.

Ayo Akim Mule [03:17]:
"With both the Club World Cup and World Cup taking place in the USA in the next 18 months, what impact will Trump and his policies have on football over the next few four years?"

2. Trump's Potential Influence on Major Tournaments

Felipe Cardenas discusses the uncertain yet significant role Trump may play in the upcoming tournaments. He speculates that Trump's business acumen could intersect with football's lucrativeness, possibly aligning with entities like Gianni Infantino (FIFA President) and Saudi Arabia, given their joint interests.

Felipe Cardenas [04:22]:
"I think Donald Trump think we know, you know, what he values. And if there's an opportunity for him to find a way to make money or link himself to something that is lucrative, that's going to happen."

He further connects Trump's presidency to future World Cups, including the 2034 tournament in Saudi Arabia, hinting at ongoing collaborations.

3. Impact on Women's Sports and Policies

Ayo Akim Mule raises concerns about Trump’s policies affecting women's sports, particularly referencing his pledge to limit men’s participation in women’s sports and the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) incident involving Barbara Banda.

Ayo Akim Mule [06:54]:
"What kind of effect do you think these policies will have on women's sport moving forward?"

Meg Linehan responds by highlighting the league's response to discrimination and the broader implications for transgender players and women's rights.

Meg Linehan [06:54]:
"The league has policies around who can play in the league. Obviously, they're a professional league. But there are going to be some much bigger picture questions coming down the line around trans players, around women's rights..."

4. FIFA, International Relations, and Geopolitics

Mike Finoya explores Trump's geopolitical maneuvers, including Saudi investments and tensions with Mexico, and their potential repercussions on the World Cup's hosting dynamics.

Mike Finoya [08:18]:
"There's a report just bubbling up this week with Saudi Arabia pledging, I think, over $600 billion of investment in the United States."

Charles McBee adds that the rivalry between the U.S. and Mexico could spill into the tournament, especially given the strained relations between their presidents.

Charles McBee [10:13]:
"It's going to be a constant battle of border policies... that is going to be initial be really interesting to watch that."

5. Trump's Relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino

The conversation delves into the longstanding relationship between Trump and Gianni Infantino, emphasizing mutual benefits and potential conflicts of interest.

Ayo Akim Mule [18:07]:
"What does Trump's growing relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino tell us about power and influence when it comes to winning major tournaments?"

Mike Finoya [18:24]:
"It's a relationship built on mutual interests... Infantino is probably just good for him to be on the good side."

Charles McBee [25:25]:
"Infantino’s relationship with Trump never faltered... Infantino stands in this room and basically compares Trump to a great sportsman."

They discuss the role of Jared Kushner in facilitating this relationship and the influence of sports as a platform for political and cultural leverage.

6. Legacy and Future of U.S. Soccer Post-World Cup

The guests assess whether hosting the World Cup will significantly boost soccer's standing in the U.S. or if existing structural challenges within Major League Soccer (MLS) will persist.

Ayo Akim Mule [35:20]:
"Felipe, what does Trump's growing relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino tell us about power and influence when it comes to winning major tournaments?"

Charles McBee [40:38]:
"The domestic league in the United States was the 9th most betted on soccer league... People aren't watching it on TV because people bet on what they're watching on TV."

Mike Finoya [39:28]:
"The World Cup may not be a watershed moment for the growth of professional football in the United States."

The discussion points to ongoing issues like media engagement, accessibility for young players from diverse backgrounds, and the competing dominance of other American sports.

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Ayo Akim Mule wraps up the discussion by emphasizing the multifaceted impact of Trump's presidency on U.S. soccer, from policy changes affecting player eligibility to the broader cultural and economic implications for the sport.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Felipe Cardenas [04:22]:
  "Donald Trump think we know, you know, what he values. And if there's an opportunity for him to find a way to make money or link himself to something that is lucrative, that's going to happen."

• Meg Linehan [06:54]:
  "There are going to be some much bigger picture questions coming down the line around trans players, around women's rights..."

• Charles McBee [10:23]:
  "We should also point out too, that, that U.S. and Mexico are planning to bid together for the 2031 Women's cup as well."

• Mike Finoya [18:24]:
  "Infantino is probably just good for him to be on the good side."

• Charles McBee [40:32]:
  "The domestic league in the United States was the 9th most betted on soccer league... People aren't watching it on TV because people bet on what they're watching on TV."

Final Thoughts

This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the intersection between politics and sports, specifically how Donald Trump's presidency could shape the landscape of football in the United States. From potential policy impacts on women's sports to the intricate relationships with international sports authorities like FIFA, the discussion underscores the complexity and far-reaching implications of political influence on the beautiful game.

For those interested in the future of soccer in the U.S. and the role of influential figures like Trump and Infantino, this episode offers invaluable insights and expert perspectives.