FIFA’s policy often punishes players for political messages, claiming to uphold neutrality. Yet on Friday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino awarded U.S. President Donald Trump the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize, raising new questions about the organisation’s impartiality.
Critics quickly pointed out the timing: the honour came less than a day after another deadly U.S. air strike in the Caribbean.
Craig Mokhiber, a former UN official who has pushed for Israel’s suspension from world football over its war in Gaza, called the award “a truly shameful development”.
Infantino has previously refused to sanction Israel, arguing that football cannot “solve geopolitical issues”.
Mokhiber condemned the new award as an attempt to curry favour with Trump while masking his record of backing Israel, deadly maritime strikes, and human rights violations.
Infantino praises Trump
During the ceremony, Infantino applauded Trump’s diplomatic initiatives — including the Abraham Accords — and praised him as a leader committed to unity and safety.
“You definitely deserve the first FIFA Peace Prize,” Infantino said.
Trump, who has long sought a Nobel Peace Prize, called the FIFA award one of the “great honours” he has received, claiming his presidency prevented wars and saved millions of lives.
A contradiction to past messages
Infantino has previously warned that football must remain neutral, yet critics say awarding Trump undermines that principle.
Some compared the moment to giving a controversial player an award for good behaviour.
Infantino has grown close to Trump as the U.S. prepares to co-host the next World Cup. His frequent visits to the White House highlight that relationship.
Human rights concerns
Rights groups sharply criticised the award, citing Trump’s militarism, continued support for Israel’s war in Gaza, and deadly strikes in the Caribbean Sea.
At home, Trump has intensified harsh immigration policies and targeted critics of Israel.
Human Rights Watch wrote:
“His administration’s appalling human rights record does not represent ‘exceptional actions for peace and unity’.”
Mokhiber went further, urging FIFA to withdraw what he called a “vulgar” and dangerous prize that undermines the organisation’s credibility.