FIFA announces first ‘Peace Prize’ ahead of World Cup draw: Will Trump be the recipient?

Trump’s chances

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who shares a close personal relationship with Trump, declined to confirm whether the US president would receive the first prize. “On the 5th of December, you will see,” he told reporters at the America Business Forum in Miami, shortly after Trump addressed the same event, as reported by the AP.

Infantino said that “in an increasingly unsettled and divided world, it’s fundamental to recognise the outstanding contribution of those who work hard to end conflicts and bring people together in a spirit of peace.”

FIFA added, according to AP, that the award will be presented each year “on behalf of fans from all around the world.”

Trump’s ties to FIFA and Infantino

NYT reported that Infantino has built a notably close relationship with Trump over the years, one that has included several White House visits and joint appearances abroad. During one visit, Infantino presented Trump with one of three official replicas of the men’s World Cup trophy.

Infantino has described Trump as “a close friend” and said he admires the president’s energy and directness. “He does what he says. He says what he thinks,” Infantino said, according to the AP. “He says what many people think as well, but maybe don’t dare to say. And that’s why he’s so successful.”

The FIFA chief also credited Trump with being “very, very helpful in everything we do for the World Cup,” which the United States will co-host in 2026 along with Canada and Mexico.

Trump’s Nobel disappointment

The announcement of FIFA’s new peace award comes just weeks after Trump was passed over for the Nobel Peace Prize, despite lobbying from Republican lawmakers and world leaders. White House communications director Steven Cheung told the New York Times that the Nobel committee had “proved they place politics over peace” after awarding the honour to a Venezuelan politician instead.

Infantino’s proximity to Trump has prompted scrutiny over FIFA’s stance on political neutrality. The organisation has previously sanctioned member associations for government interference in football affairs, yet Infantino has called his friendship with Trump “absolutely crucial” to World Cup planning, as reported by NYT.

The FIFA President will personally present the new peace award, which he said aims to celebrate “those who unite people through their actions.” He added that the ceremony and draw are expected to reach about 1 billion viewers worldwide.