Coe Warns: Keep Trump Off Olympics

Sebastian Coe, the World Athletics president, has warned that politicians should be kept on the bus but not allowed near the steering wheel when it comes to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Coe's comments come after concerns were raised about the relationship between US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the recent Football World Cup.

Coe, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and former elected member of the British parliament, led the 2012 London Olympics' bidding and organizing committees. He emphasized the need for a balance between working with governments and maintaining the independence of sporting organizations. The delivery of the Olympics is in large part predicated on relationships with government ministries such as Treasury, Defense, and Homeland Security.

Coe's comments were in response to a question about avoiding political turmoil at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He noted that FIFA was criticized after Trump made a phone call to Infantino urging that US forward Folarin Balogun's red-card suspension be overturned, and world football's governing body subsequently lifted the suspension.

Coe said that private equity or sovereign wealth funds have been investing in sports for the last decade, and that sporting organizations must be resilient in the face of political pressure. He emphasized the importance of maintaining good working relationships with government, while also keeping politicians out of the driver's seat.

## What changed The recent Football World Cup highlighted the risks of political interference in sports, with Trump's phone call to Infantino sparking controversy. Coe's comments suggest that the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will need to navigate similar challenges.

## Why it matters The independence of sporting organizations is crucial to maintaining the integrity of competitions. Coe's warning highlights the need for organizers to balance their relationships with governments with the need to protect the autonomy of sports.

The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will take place in July 2028, and Coe's comments suggest that the organizers will need to be mindful of the risks of political interference. With Trump nearing the end of his second term, the Olympics will likely be an important event for the US administration, and Coe's warning highlights the need for organizers to maintain their independence.