FIFA Issue Statement on Stripping Donald Trump of Peace Award After Threats

FIFA’s decision to grant the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize to Donald Trump has sparked notable controversy ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw. The award was introduced in late 2025 under FIFA president Gianni Infantino and was intended to honor “outstanding contributions to peace and unity” linked to major global events.

The prize was presented on December 5, 2025, during the final draw for the 2026 World Cup in Washington, D.C. Infantino personally handed Trump the inaugural award, marking a rare moment where a political figure was recognized in a FIFA-led ceremony.

The decision quickly attracted attention because it represented a departure from FIFA’s traditional emphasis on football-related achievements. Placing a political leader at the center of a newly created peace award raised questions about FIFA’s role beyond sport.

Critics, including human rights organizations and football analysts, challenged the lack of transparency surrounding the prize. They noted that FIFA did not publicly outline clear criteria, nomination methods, or an independent selection process.

Others warned that the move blurred the line between sport and geopolitics, potentially compromising FIFA’s long-standing claim of political neutrality at a time of heightened global tensions.

Several advocacy groups also voiced concerns about governance and ethics, arguing that honoring an active political figure could set a troubling precedent for international sports bodies.

FIFA has stood by its decision, framing the prize as symbolic and aligned with its belief in football’s power to unite. The debate highlights the difficulties global sports organizations face when symbolic actions collide with political scrutiny ahead of major tournaments.