A growing sense of embarrassment is reportedly spreading among officials within FIFA following the controversial decision to award its inaugural peace prize to former US President Donald Trump.
An Award Met With Immediate Unease
The award was presented to Trump during the World Cup draw ceremony in Washington DC in December. FIFA President Gianni Infantino personally handed over the prize, telling Trump: "We want to see hope, we want to see unity, we want to see a future. This is what we want to see from a leader and you definitely deserve the first FIFA Peace Prize."
However, sources indicate there was significant unease within the organisation even at the time of the presentation. The global football governing body did not disclose any details regarding the selection process for the award, which raised immediate questions.
That initial discomfort has since evolved into what one senior FIFA source described as "deep embarrassment". Multiple mid-level and senior officials have privately expressed their dismay over how the situation was handled.
Geopolitical Actions Fuel Discomfort
The sense of awkwardness has been compounded by subsequent geopolitical events. Since receiving the award, the United States has conducted airstrikes in Venezuela and captured the country's president, Nicolás Maduro, along with his wife, Cilia Flores.
They were flown to the US, where Maduro was jailed and later appeared in court on 5 January, pleading not guilty to charges including drugs, weapons offences, and "narco-terrorism". Furthermore, Trump has publicly threatened to invade Greenland, stating the US needs the territory "very badly".
These actions have made the decision to honour Trump with a peace prize appear increasingly incongruous to many within FIFA's ranks.
Navigating a 'Delicate' World Cup in 2026
The controversy is casting a long shadow over preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. A highly placed official, speaking anonymously, admitted that staging the tournament in the US will be a "very delicate" and "difficult" period, both in the lead-up and during the event itself.
It is understood that President Infantino has been left to manage the "political matters" concerning Trump, as other officials fear association could tarnish their reputations. "Involving myself in the politics surrounding this World Cup is something I stay far away from. My job concerns football on the pitch and nothing else," one FIFA source stated.
FIFA's Firm Defence of the Decision
Despite the internal friction, FIFA's public stance remains resolute. The organisation has doubled down on its decision and declined to comment on what it termed "hearsay" regarding officials' discomfort.
A spokesperson for FIFA defended the award, stating: "FIFA strongly supports its annual peace prize, an award to recognise exceptional actions for peace and unity. FIFA notes the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize recipient [the Venezuelan opposition leader, María Corina Machado] has given her medal to President Trump."
The spokesperson also highlighted the practical benefits of the relationship, adding: "FIFA has strong relations with President Trump, along with leaders from fellow co-hosts Canada and Mexico. This has resulted in good working relationships leading to, for example in the US, the formation of the White House Task Force for the FIFA World Cup."
The episode underscores the complex intersection of global sports governance and geopolitics, setting a tense backdrop for the upcoming 2026 tournament.
