FIFA Insiders Express ‘Deep Embarrassment’ Over Awarding Donald Trump the Inaugural Peace Prize
In a move that has sparked widespread controversy, FIFA awarded U.S. President Donald Trump its newly created FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World during the final draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on December 5, 2025, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino personally presented the award to Trump, praising him for embodying “hope, unity, and a future.” Infantino described the prize as recognition of Trump’s “exceptional and extraordinary actions to promote peace and unity around the world.” The inaugural award was introduced in November 2025, shortly after Trump was overlooked for the Nobel Peace Prize, with FIFA stating it would be given annually to individuals who have united people globally through efforts for peace.
Trump, who has long sought international recognition for peace initiatives, called the honor “truly one of the great honors” of his life. The ceremony added a notable political dimension to the World Cup draw, which sets the stage for the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
However, just weeks later, internal sentiment at FIFA has reportedly soured significantly. According to sources speaking to outlets like The Guardian, initial “unease” among mid-level and senior officials has evolved into “deep embarrassment.” The shift stems from subsequent U.S. actions under Trump’s administration, including airstrikes across Venezuela, the capture and imprisonment of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores (who were flown to the U.S. and faced charges including drugs, weapons, and narco-terrorism, with Maduro pleading not guilty in court on January 5, 2026), and Trump’s public threats to invade Greenland, citing the need for the territory “very badly” for security reasons.
These developments are viewed by some within FIFA as starkly at odds with the prize’s stated themes of hope, unity, and future-oriented leadership. Officials have described the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup as “very delicate” and “difficult,” emphasizing a desire to focus solely on “football on the pitch” while avoiding entanglement in surrounding geopolitical tensions. There are also concerns about potential reputational damage to FIFA and the tournament, especially amid reports of diplomatic friction, including threats of tariffs against European nations and speculation about countries like Germany considering withdrawal as a last resort.
Despite the internal discomfort, FIFA has publicly reaffirmed its support for the decision. A spokesperson stated that the organization “strongly supports its annual peace prize” as a means to recognize exceptional actions for peace and unity. They declined to address “hearsay” from insiders and highlighted positive working relationships with Trump and the co-host nations. FIFA has indicated no plans to discontinue the award, with another recipient expected later in 2026.
The prize has faced external criticism as well, including ethics complaints against Infantino for allegedly breaching FIFA’s political neutrality rules by creating the award to appease Trump. Critics have described it as a “fake” or “participation” prize, with some accusing FIFA of pandering to political influence ahead of the high-stakes World Cup hosted largely in the United States.
As the 2026 tournament approaches, the episode underscores the challenges of blending sports governance with global politics, leaving FIFA navigating a delicate balance between its ideals and real-world realities.
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