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When the White House posted a photo of US President Donald Trump meeting with world leaders in the Oval Office at the White House this week, eagle-eyed football fans noticed an unexpected piece of silverware at their favorite venue.
The Club World Cup trophy, which Chelsea beat PSG to win in July in New Jersey, can be seen on display outside the president's office in Washington DC.
The image led many on social media to question why the 'Chelsea trophy' is in one of the most important offices in the world just weeks after Enzo Maresca's team hoisted it at the Metlife Stadium.
After the final in July, President Trump said he was told he could keep the trophy as a token of gratitude for the United States hosting the month-long tournament.
" I said, 'When are you going to get the trophy?'" [They said] 'We'll never get it. You can have it in the Oval Office forever, we're making a new one ,'" he said in an interview with DAZN.
" And they actually made a new one. So that was pretty exciting, but it's in the Oval Office now ."
But, according to FIFA, that's not exactly the case. In fact, there are three Club World Cup trophies.
The original engraved version is in Zurich, Switzerland, at FIFA headquarters, as is customary with all FIFA trophies – including the World Cup.
One copy belongs to Chelsea and the holders paraded it during a pre-season friendly against Milan.
It is the third version to be in the Oval Office in "recognition of the extraordinary organizers of the 2025 tournament," FIFA told BBC Sport.
The Club World Cup, which was held in 11 cities in the US, was called "the most successful club competition in the world" by organizers.
But it was also criticized for low attendance – there were more than a million empty seats during the tournament – and for weather conditions and the quality of the courses in the US.
In an unusual incident, Trump presented Chelsea with the trophy, but stayed on stage after the presentation and celebrated with the players, who said they were "a little confused."
After the London Blues' triumph, Trump handed the trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James before being asked to leave by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
But Trump stood next to James and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, and applauded as James lifted the trophy, remaining in position for a few seconds before he and Infantino left for the back of the stage.
The United States, along with Canada and Mexico, will co-host the 2026 Men's World Cup next summer.
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