FIFA President Gianni Infantino, for the position of the next UN Secretary-General, according to a report in the “New York Post.”

The 56-year-old soccer executive developed a close relationship with the U.S. president during the preparation and hosting of the World Cup. A source close to Trump stated that Infantino “is respected around the world” and has a special ability to bring different people and countries together.

The next secretary-general will be selected to succeed António Guterres, who is stepping down from the position at the end of the year. For Infantino to be elected, he will first need the support of the 15-member Security Council, where the five permanent members have veto power, and then the approval of the General Assembly.

So far, it remains unclear whether the FIFA president is genuinely interested in the position or whether he has discussed the possibility with Trump. The U.S. president, however, reportedly believes there is room for a different candidate, as he has not been impressed by the figures who have already come to the fore.

Supporters of the idea point out that there are similarities between the two roles, as the head of the UN is called upon to cooperate with 193 member states, while FIFA comprises 211 national federations. In fact, they believe that Infantino’s experience in governing world soccer could also be put to use on the diplomatic front.

Infantino has already announced that he will seek re-election as FIFA president, with the election scheduled for next March. So far, he has not commented publicly on the report or on the possibility of running for the position of UN Secretary-General.

*Photo source: AP