Why Did Chelsea Lift Replica Club World Cup Trophy Instead of Original?

Chelsea Football Club's historic victory in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup took an unexpected turn when it was revealed that the club lifted a replica trophy rather than the original, sparking controversy over the unusual arrangement involving US President Donald Trump.

The Trophy Arrangement and Presidential Involvement

The controversy started when President Trump confessed during a mid-game interview with broadcaster DAZN that he held the original Club World Cup trophy in the Oval Office. According to Trump's account, FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the White House in March 2025 as part of tournament preparation and gave the trophy to him. "They said, 'Could you hold this trophy for a little while?' We placed it in the Oval Office," Trump stated, noting that when asked about its collection, Infantino replied, "We're never going to pick it up. You can have it forever in the Oval Office. We're making a new one".

With 24-karat gold plating, the original trophy made by luxury jewellery firm Tiffany and Co. in partnership with FIFA is worth about $230,000. Once an opulent piece, this is now used as a decorative item in the Oval Office and has been shot next to Trump during several presidential statements and meetings. Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which Mexico, Canada, and the United States will co-host, FIFA seems to be trying to keep friendly relationships with the US government as part of a larger plan.

The Awkward Trophy Ceremony

The conditions grew clear during the actual trophy presentation at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025, following Chelsea's emphatic 3-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain. Trump's presence at the podium during the celebrations baffled Chelsea players, especially when he lingered on stage longer than expected to award captain Reece James the trophy. "I knew he was going to be there, but I didn't know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy, so I was a bit confused," said Cole Palmer of Chelsea, who was chosen as the player of the match in the CWC Final.

Reece James, the captain of Chelsea FC, then confirmed that players had been advised Trump would "present the trophy and leave the stage," but “he wanted to stay.”

FIFA's Response and Ongoing Controversy

FIFA has kept both awards as genuine; some sources indicate that winners usually get a replica while officials keep the original. The timing and means of the arrangement, nevertheless, have sparked debate on whether giving such a big athletic award to a politician is proper.

FIFA's recent choice to establish a new office in Trump Tower further fuels the debate, stressing Infantino's growing close contacts with the US President. With detractors claiming that the arrangement epitomizes FIFA's eagerness to court political favor at the detriment of sporting integrity, the event has overshadowed Chelsea's success and sparked bigger questions about the meeting of politics and international athletics.