FIFA Faces Pressure to Rethink Controversial Peace Prize Amid Trump Backlash
FIFA is under fire following the controversial awarding of its peace prize to Donald Trump. At a recent council meeting, leaders expressed a strong desire for significant alterations to or the outright cancellation of the prize.
Sources reveal that numerous council members are pushing for the award to be abolished entirely, while others advocate for a shift towards a more neutral approach. The football social responsibility committee is set to deliver recommendations ahead of the next council meeting scheduled for December 16 in Doha.
At the start of Thursday’s gathering, Gianni Infantino announced that the peace prize would be overseen by this committee. However, the issue resurfaced during discussions about potential conflicts of interest within FIFA.
There’s a prevailing sentiment among council members that the current association with Trump has tainted the peace prize. Some even voiced concerns that the US president might react negatively to the choice of future recipients, potentially sparking diplomatic tensions.
FIFA’s social responsibility committee, comprising 22 members largely loyal to Infantino, may shy away from abolishing the prize entirely, fearing it would be seen as a blow to the president's authority. Nonetheless, there is a broad consensus that reforms are necessary.
One council member suggested that the most viable solution would be to rebrand the peace prize, transforming it into an accolade for individuals in football who excel in promoting social unity and responsibility, with a strict rule against awarding it to politicians.
FIFA's own statutes prohibit political interference in the sport, which is one reason the decision to honor Trump last year sparked such widespread criticism.
The peace prize was first announced by FIFA last November, with the intention of recognizing those who have made exceptional contributions to global peace and unity.
Trump received the award during the men's World Cup draw in Washington last December, where Infantino personally presented him with a golden trophy, a medal, and a certificate. However, the criteria used to select him have never been disclosed.
As part of its upcoming review, the social responsibility committee is expected to establish clear guidelines for any future versions of the award, including a detailed nomination and selection process.
