FIFA‘s Award to Trump Sparks Outcry, Reveals Years-Long Relationship
NEW YORK – FIFA’s decision to award Donald Trump a special “Peace Prize” ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw has ignited a firestorm of criticism, exposing a relationship between the former U.S.President and the global soccer governing body that extends back years. The award, announced in November, has drawn condemnation from leading civil rights organizations and raised questions about FIFA’s clarity and potential political motivations.
The prize, intended to recognize Trump’s “promotion of peace” through soccer, comes as FIFA prepares to co-host the World Cup with the United states, Canada, and Mexico. Critics argue the award serves to legitimize the Trump administration’s policies and practices. Jamal Watkins, a vice-President of the NAACP, founded in 1909, described the relationship between Infantino and Trump as “too close for comfort.”
“What we’re finding is that when Infantino aligns with Donald Trump, then you’re sending a signal not only to the United States, but to the world, that all the practices and policies coming out of this administration are OK or justified,” Watkins said.
The Athletic reported this week that the FIFA Council and vice presidents had no consultation or awareness of the prize prior to it circulating in a FIFA press release. Jamil Dakwar, the director of the American Civil Liberties Union, called the Peace Prize an “insult to the intelligence” of soccer fans, citing the lack of published selection criteria. He warned FIFA is at risk of becoming a public relations tool to “normalize an increasingly authoritarian U.S. government.”
FIFA officials appear unconcerned by the backlash.One senior FIFA official, speaking anonymously, asserted the Peace Prize “can be bigger than the Nobel Peace Prize,” citing soccer’s global reach and impact.
The White House defended the award and Trump’s involvement with the World Cup. Spokesman David Ingle stated, “The united States of America has never been more respected or successful than it is now under President Trump’s historic leadership. America is the hottest country in the world right now, which makes us the perfect country to host one of the greatest sporting events in history – the FIFA World Cup 2026.”
