‘Could a woman make your team, fellas': Donald Trump leaves Juventus players awkward
A White House visit to meet American president Donald Trump turned awkward for players from Juventus after the unpredictable world leader asked them for their views on transgender players. The Italian team is in the USA to participate at the Club World Cup. Hours after their awkward encounter with Trump, they found themselves on firmer footing at Washington DC's Audi Field where they demolished Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates 5-0 in a game.
Media reports said that Juventus players were left awkward while lining up behind the US president when, right after praising the team as a 'great team', Trump put them on the spot by asking them, 'Could a woman make your team, fellas?'
The Guardian noted that Juve players 'smiled nervously but did not offer a response' at this question. A clip of the exchange shows dumbstruck players looking at each other when asked the question. FIFA President Gianni Infantino was one of the people present in the room when this exchange happened.
Trump repeated the question. This time, Juventus's general manager, Damien Comolli, tried to pull a rescue act of his besieged players. 'We have a very good women's team,' he offered while talking about the Juventus Women, who are the reigning Serie A champions.
'But they should be playing with women,' Trump shot back. This time, it was Comolli's turn to stay mum.
'See they are being very diplomatic,' observed the US President.
Before leaving, the team delegation presented the US President with a club shirt.
In February, Trump had signed an executive order that banned transgender athletes from competing in women's sports. It was a move that was branded as discriminatory by human rights activists.
The order not just provided regulations but also gave legal interpretations. It ordered the US Department of Education to investigate high schools thought to be non-compliant.
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