Australian footballer and St Pauli captain Jackson Irvine has strongly criticised FIFA's decision to award its inaugural peace prize to US President Donald Trump, describing the move as making a 'mockery' of the sport's human rights commitments. The 33-year-old midfielder, who is on track for his third World Cup appearance with the Socceroos, spoke out ahead of the 2026 tournament, which is already facing geopolitical tensions and pricing controversies.
Irvine's Stance on FIFA's Decision
Speaking to Reuters, Irvine said the award undermines FIFA's efforts to use football as a force for good worldwide. 'As an organisation, you would have to say decisions like the one that we saw awarding this peace prize makes a mockery of what they're trying to do with the human rights charter and trying to use football as a global driving force for good and positive change in the world,' he stated.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino had defended the prize in February, citing Trump's role in securing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. 'Objectively, he deserves it,' Infantino said. However, the White House responded to criticism by asserting that 'there is no one else in the world more deserving' than Trump.
Broader Concerns Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Irvine's comments add to a simmering buildup to the tournament, which has seen inflated ticket and transport prices anger fans, while the Middle East conflict complicates Iran's participation. Human rights concerns within the US are also mounting. The Australian international noted that decisions like the peace prize 'set us back in the perceived market of what football currently is, especially at the top level where it's becoming so disconnected from society and the grassroots.'
Irvine has a history of advocating for human rights. During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he and his Socceroos teammates issued a statement highlighting the suffering of migrant workers and restrictions on LGBTI+ people. He now worries about similar issues in the US, where rights for these communities are being eroded.
Player Expression and Polarisation
FIFA has yet to decide whether players can wear armbands supporting social causes during the 2026 World Cup. Irvine expressed sympathy for players who keep their opinions private due to the polarised political climate. 'You've got a group who are unbelievably supportive and really love to see people in these positions speak up about issues that they care about. And on the other side, the opposite, the polarisation has gone further. People really actively dislike players trying to bring politics into sport,' he said.
Irvine, who is currently fighting relegation with Bundesliga club St Pauli, remains in line for a World Cup squad spot. FIFA has been approached for comment on the matter.
