The world's 'football' is America's 'soccer': Trump signaled that could change
Speaking to DAZN TV channel, Trump was asked about the possibility of an executive order to rename the sport.
"I think we can do that, I think I could do that," Trump laughed as he spoke to the global sports streamer in an interview published Monday.
"They call it 'football,' but I guess we call it 'soccer,' but that change could be made very easily. But it's great to watch," he said, as he was interviewed during the final of the FIFA Club World Cup, which was held in New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
It remains to be seen how serious Trump is about making the name change, but he certainly appears to have caught the bug for what the British call "the Beautiful Game." CNBC has reached out to the White House for further comment and is awaiting a response.
Trump, who was present for the FIFA Club World Cup final match, appeared with winners Chelsea — much to the bemusement of players — as they lifted the competition trophy.
The newly expanded soccer — or football — tournament was launched this year and saw top-flight teams from around the world compete in matches held across 12 venues in the U.S. in the last month. British club Chelsea stunned their French counterparts, Paris St. Germain (PSG), clinching a 3-0 win on Sunday.
Trump unexpectedly appeared on the stage with the Chelsea players as they lifted the trophy. There are vast amounts of money to be made in football — the tournament win has netted Chelsea around £84 million (almost $113 million), according to the BBC, for their participation and performance.
When the Chelsea players were asked about Trump "crashing" the trophy presentation, Chelsea Captain Reece James commented, "To be honest it was quite loud. I couldn't hear too much. He just congratulated me and the team for lifting the trophy and told us to enjoy the moment."
His team mate Cole Palmer, who was instrumental in all three goals netted by the team, looked visibly confused at the time.
The "America First" president, known for his protectionist stance, told DAZN that the sport had a unifying quality, and was about "love" between countries.
"The game is about unity, it is about everyone getting together," he told the network.
"It is about a lot of love between different international countries," he added, saying hat "this is the most international sport on the planet, so it can really bring the world together."
The U.S. won't be able to escape the footballing mania next year, when it's set to host the World Cup, along with Mexico and Canada.
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