Donald Trump is highly likely to be presented with the inaugural “Fifa Peace Prize – Football Unites the World” by FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the World Cup draw. The award is designed to recognize individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to ending conflicts and uniting people in a spirit of peace.
The presentation, however, is deeply controversial, drawing sharp criticism from human rights campaigners, Trump critics, and even some internal FIFA figures who question the timing and the suitability of the recipient.
The Origin and Purpose of the FIFA Peace Prize
The creation of the “Fifa Peace Prize” comes weeks after the Nobel Committee snubbed Donald Trump for its famous peace prize.
- Official Goal: According to a statement by Infantino on Instagram, the annual award is intended to recognize those who “work hard to end conflicts and bring people together in a spirit of peace” in an “increasingly unsettled and divided world.”
- Launch: The inaugural prize is set to be presented at the World Cup draw in Washington, and will honor individuals who have “helped to unite people all over the world in peace.”
The Rationale for Trump’s Selection
It is strongly expected that Donald Trump will be the award’s first recipient, given his status as FIFA’s “guest of honour” at the draw and the timing of the award’s creation.
The award is believed to be linked to two key areas of Trump’s diplomatic efforts:
- Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Release: The award is most likely to cite his success in helping to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages. Trump has received praise in the Middle East for pushing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into agreeing to terms he had previously rejected, which are part of his 20-point peace plan.
- Nobel Snub Timing: The award was launched just three weeks after the White House publicly criticized the Nobel Committee for putting “place politics over peace” by overlooking Trump. This timing suggests FIFA’s prize may be, in part, a corrective measure or political support.
Why the Award is Controversial
The potential award has ignited significant anger and skepticism due to its political implications and the status of ongoing conflicts.
1. Questions of Worthiness and Values
Critics, including former MLS player Evan Whitfield (chair of the US-based Human Rights Soccer Alliance), argue that many Americans do not see President Trump as worthy of a peace prize. They stress that FIFA, representing global football, should maintain political neutrality and not reward those who “bully and cajole.”
2. The Ukraine-Russia Conflict
Prominent Ukrainian figures and Kremlin opponents have raised concerns about the timing, given that a peace plan between Ukraine and Russia has not yet materialized.
- Oscar-nominated filmmaker Alexander Rodnyansky said it would be “an affront to hundreds of Ukrainians that still die every day” while Trump’s envoy discusses potential deals with Moscow.
- Alexander Rodnyansky Jr., a Ukraine presidential advisor until 2024, suggested the award would be more appropriate after a stable deal is reached in Ukraine.
3. Infantino’s “Close” Relationship with Trump
FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s self-described “close” friendship with Trump has drawn extensive criticism. Observers feel FIFA, an organization meant to be politically neutral, is “cosying up” to the US president.
- Infantino has been hosted at the White House multiple times and has openly praised Trump’s domestic agenda, stating he is “doing pretty good.”
- The bond was reportedly cemented in 2020 at a global economic summit in Davos. The initial plan to hold the draw in Las Vegas was switched to Washington following conversations between Infantino and Trump in March.
4. Internal FIFA Dissent
There are suggestions that the award received a mixed reception within FIFA, with some committee members reportedly not consulted before the official press release was issued.
FIFA’s Director of Media Relations, Bryan Swanson, defended the prize, stating: “Only Fifa could be criticised for recognising those who want world peace.”
The controversy highlights the persistent challenges for FIFA in maintaining its political neutrality while navigating complex relationships with powerful global leaders, particularly the leader of the co-host nation for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
[…] Final: The final will be played at the MetLife Stadium in New York. […]