Fifa to uphold Peace Award despite controversy
Fifa has confirmed its intention to continue with the newly established Peace Award, despite backlash following its inaugural presentation to US President Donald Trump last month, reports BritPanorama.
Initially awarded in December 2024, the accolade has faced scrutiny amid geopolitical tensions, particularly after the United States executed a high-profile military action involving Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. There has been speculation regarding the timing of the award in light of these developments.
However, sources within Fifa have indicated that these concerns have not influenced the organisation’s stance. The award programme is set to proceed as planned, with a second recipient expected to be announced before the end of 2026.
This decision suggests that Fifa’s leadership remains undeterred by the recent geopolitical events associated with the first honouree. The award, intended to recognize individuals for “exceptional contributions to peace and unity,” is seen as a way to align the world of football with broader humanitarian ideals.
During the award ceremony, Fifa President Gianni Infantino highlighted Trump’s involvement in Middle East peace negotiations. Trump’s acceptance speech, lasting just two minutes, was marked by his declaration of the award as “[one of] the great honours of my life,” while emphasizing collaborative efforts among the US, Mexico, and Canada.
In a moment prior to the 2026 World Cup draw, Infantino expressed emotions tied to the challenges of conflict around the globe, positioning the award as a commitment to unity and progress. His reflections, combined with Trump’s remarks about improved international relations, illustrate the intersection of sport and diplomacy.
Fifa’s decision to maintain the integrity of the Peace Award underscores the complex relationship between global governance and sporting influence, reminding observers that the world of football does not operate in isolation from political realities. The upcoming months will reveal how this initiative will evolve in the face of ongoing global challenges, keeping the public discourse on the balance between sport and its wider implications alive.
