What's happened
FIFA announced an annual peace prize, with speculation that Donald Trump may be the first recipient. The award, to be announced on December 5 in Washington, aims to recognize efforts for peace beyond sports, amid growing ties between FIFA and Trump. The prize marks a new tradition for FIFA, diverging from its usual focus on soccer.
What's behind the headline?
FIFA's decision to create a peace prize signals a strategic shift, positioning the organization as a promoter of global harmony rather than solely a sports body. The timing of the announcement, coinciding with the World Cup draw in Washington, suggests an effort to leverage political symbolism and media coverage. The strong alliance between Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump indicates a deliberate attempt to associate FIFA with high-profile political figures, potentially to boost its international influence. While the prize's criteria remain vague, the focus on 'exceptional actions for peace' opens the door for controversial or symbolic recipients, with Trump being a prime candidate due to his outspoken peace campaign and political prominence. This move could also be viewed as a response to the Nobel Peace Prize snub, aiming to fill the perceived gap in global peace recognition. The outcome of this initiative will likely influence FIFA's reputation, either elevating its stature as a peace advocate or risking criticism for politicizing sport.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reports that FIFA's new peace prize aims to recognize efforts for peace and unity, with speculation that Donald Trump could be the first recipient, especially given his recent political activities and alliance with Gianni Infantino. AP News highlights that the award's criteria are vague, and the selection process remains unclear, but the timing suggests a strategic move to associate FIFA with high-profile figures like Trump. The Independent emphasizes that FIFA has never previously awarded a peace prize, making this a significant departure, and notes the potential political implications of Trump possibly receiving the award, which could be seen as a response to his Nobel Peace Prize disappointment. All sources agree that the award's announcement on December 5 will be a pivotal moment for FIFA's evolving role in global diplomacy.
How we got here
FIFA introduced the peace prize to honor individuals who promote peace and unity, expanding beyond its traditional focus on soccer. The initiative coincides with the upcoming 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. The award's announcement aligns with the World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center, where Trump has played a prominent role in reshaping the venue and hosting events. The move appears to be partly motivated by the desire to elevate FIFA's role in global peace efforts and to generate media attention ahead of the tournament.
Go deeper
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Giovanni Vincenzo "Gianni" Infantino is a Swiss–Italian football administrator and the current president of FIFA. He was elected President of FIFA during the 2016 FIFA Extraordinary Congress on 26 February 2016.
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FIFA is a non-profit organization which describes itself as an international governing body of association football, fútsal, beach soccer, and efootball. It is the highest governing body of football.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.