Ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup fixture against Al Ain in Washington, Italian football giants Juventus paid a courtesy visit to former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. However, the brief Oval Office meeting quickly devolved into controversy following Trump’s remarks on transgender rights and Middle East tensions.
The visit, which also included FIFA President Gianni Infantino, was initially intended to highlight the global appeal of football and the role of sports diplomacy. Yet, it was marred by the former President’s transphobic comments, which sparked widespread backlash online.
“Could a woman play on your team? Wouldn’t that be something?” Trump asked the male Juventus players, in an apparent jab at the ongoing debate surrounding transgender athletes in sports.
In an attempt to steer the conversation, Juventus general manager Damien Comolli interjected by emphasizing the club’s commitment to women’s football:
“We have a very good women’s team.”
However, Trump doubled down, adding,
“Women should play with women,”
a remark that received no acknowledgment from the visibly uncomfortable players.
Trump has a long history of controversial stances on LGBTQ+ issues. Since his presidency, his administration passed several executive orders curbing transgender rights, including bans on gender changes in official identification and restrictions on transgender athletes in women’s competitions.
The Juventus delegation has not issued an official statement regarding the former President’s remarks, prompting criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and fans worldwide for remaining silent in the face of discrimination.
The juxtaposition of international football diplomacy with divisive political rhetoric has raised fresh concerns over the appropriateness of sports teams engaging with controversial political figures, particularly during global tournaments.
Juventus are set to face Al Ain in their Club World Cup quarterfinal this weekend, but the team’s White House visit is likely to overshadow their on-field performance.
