Piers Morgan and Simon Jordan weigh in on Donald Trump World Cup trophy lift saga

Whoever ends up lifting the World Cup may have to share the stage with US President Donald Trump, whether they like it or not.

Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo are not exactly ones to share the limelight and that could make for some fascinating viewing.

Getty

Harry Kane and Lionel Messi however, may display more passive figures alongside the president but fan reaction may well be a little more divided.

On Monday, talkSPORT revealed that Trump had been given license to join the World Cup winners in their trophy lift.

The 80-year-old accompanied Chelsea on stage when they lifted the Club World Cup last summer, causing a bit of a stir in the aftermath.

And now Trump could once again be at the centre of one of football’s most iconic moments after tournament organisers FIFA opened the door to his participation.

It has already got fans talking and among them, Piers Morgan and Simon Jordan, who both gave their thoughts on whether Trump’s involvement would be a good move.

Morgan’s view on Trump’s possible involvement

“I think it would be hugely popular if England were to win the trophy, if Trump wrestled the World Cup of Harry Kane and began to do a little conga. I think everyone in Britain in my view would think that would be absolutely magnificent – no,” Morgan joked live on talkSPORT.

“It’s got the potential to be quite embarrassing but I think Trump is quite savvy about the reaction to what happened with the Club World Cup.

“If he’s not then his son Barron is because Barron loves our football – he’s actually an Arsenal fan.

“He’ll probably have a quiet moment with the old man and say ‘look, dad, if you get the trophy anywhere near you don’t try and grab it.’”

Former Crystal Palace owner Jordan then relayed his wider view that politicians should refrain from crossing into the sporting sphere but see how Trump’s possible involvement could add to the grandeur of the final.

Jordan’s preferred blanket ban

“In an ideal world I’d have politicians nowhere near sport,” Jordan said.

“The situation with Trump has a relatively unique feel about it because Trump is such an omnipotent character that it does add to the argument.

“But if I had my ideal world I would say Trump nowhere near it in terms of being on the pitch dealing with the trophy. That’s someone else’s responsibility.

“It steers into the narrative that I underpin my arguments with – keep these politicians away from leveraging sports, whoever it may be.”

“So I can’t have it both ways,” he added. “I recognise the fact that he’s probably the most powerful man in the world but I don’t want politicians near sport.”

Morgan quickly countered Jordan’s suggestion, reminding him of another former president who took part in a trophy lift with the triumphant South African players at the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

“I’m going to say two words. Nelson Mandela,” Morgan replied.

“When South Africa won the Rugby World Cup we all remember the amazing scenes afterwards. You may remember the South Africa captain Francois Pienaar clutching the World Cup with Nelson Mandela.

“I don’t remember anyone being annoyed by that so should America win the World Cup and it’s not looking as unlikely as it was maybe two weeks ago, should the United States win, I don’t think we have the right to complain should Trump share in the glory.”

Jordan responded: “I think it’s a good point Piers but I think we can agree that whatever your view on Trump is there’s an element of division with Trump.

“With Nelson Mandela, the world united around what he represented.”

Morgan then hit back saying: “Hang on, that’s true to a point but remember that Nelson Mandela was designated a terrorist from the ANC (African National Congress) so he wasn’t exactly non-divisive for a long period of his life. All politicians are divisive to a degree.”

Asked if he would be comfortable with Trump being involved in the trophy ceremony, Morgan added: “The problem with Trump is everybody talks about him 24/7 which is exactly what he wants to happen.

“He’s quite a narcissist and he loves people talking about him.

“Everyone cool their jets, Trump is going to be there. The World Cup is in the United States, he’s the president of the United States and he’s going to want to be part of the action.

“Why don’t we all right now agree we’re not going to throw our toys out of the pram and overreact and get hysterical about the president of the country where it’s being held being part of the grand finale when it ends.”

Stay up to date with all the latest World Cup tips & predictions, World Cup Top Goalscorer Odds, World Cup Group Winner Odds, World Cup Match Previews and all the best World Cup Betting Offers and Free Bets in our dedicated betting hub