Gianni Infantino, president of the international football governing body FIFA, has come under intense criticism after awarding a peace prize to United States President Donald Trump. The ceremony took place on 5 December during the World Cup draw event, where Trump was formally handed the accolade, sparking immediate debate within the global football community.
Following the award presentation, Infantino has faced widespread scrutiny. Experts and analysts have argued that granting such an honour to a serving political leader breaches FIFA’s long-established policy of political neutrality. Many observers emphasise that the timing and context of the award appear to directly challenge the organisation’s impartiality, raising concerns over whether FIFA can maintain a position free from political influence.
Human rights organisation ‘Fairsquare’ has lodged a formal complaint, asserting that Infantino violated four specific rules regarding political neutrality within FIFA. The organisation has requested that FIFA’s ethics committee undertake a detailed investigation into the matter. According to the complaint, the role of the FIFA president should be confined to guiding the organisation’s objectives, strategic direction, policies, and values, without making unilateral decisions that might compromise the body’s neutrality—a line they allege Infantino has crossed in this instance.
Speaking on receiving the award, Trump stated, ‘The world is now a much safer place. This is one of the greatest honours of my life. We have saved millions of lives, as seen in situations in Congo. Conflicts between India and Pakistan were controlled before they escalated into war. Gianni has done an exceptional job. Additionally, record ticket sales have been achieved.’
The decision has also drawn reactions from football analysts and commentators, many expressing astonishment. They underline that FIFA, as an international sports governing body, must remain politically neutral at all times to prevent allegations of favouring any political leader or nation, thereby safeguarding its credibility and impartiality.
This incident has ignited a broader debate within the football community, with critics questioning the appropriateness of a FIFA president making a personal decision of this nature. They are also considering the potential long-term implications for the organisation’s ethical standards, governance, and overall reputation.
As a consequence, Gianni Infantino now faces substantial criticism over the decision to award a peace prize to Donald Trump. The controversy has reignited discussions on ethics, neutrality, and accountability within international sporting organisations, highlighting the delicate balance between personal discretion and institutional responsibility.