FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced the introduction of a new annual award, the FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World, intended to honor individuals who use the power of football to promote unity and peace. However, the announcement has triggered widespread debate, with critics accusing FIFA of mixing sport with political messaging.
The inaugural presentation of the prize is set to take place on December 5th during the 2026 World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC. The event is expected to feature several world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, whose presence has intensified discussions about the political undertones of the new initiative.
Infantino described the prize as part of football’s “moral responsibility to unite people,” emphasizing that it will recognize those “working to end conflict and build understanding across communities.” Yet, many observers have questioned the timing of the announcement, which follows a period of highly publicized appearances and diplomatic engagements between Infantino and Trump.
The controversy surrounding the FIFA Peace Prize also highlights the increasingly close relationship between FIFA’s leadership and global political figures. Critics argue that this alignment risks undermining Infantino’s repeated claims that football should remain separate from politics. Questions have further arisen after the appointment of Ivanka Trump to the board of a $100 million FIFA education and empowerment initiative, adding to perceptions of political influence.
As the world anticipates the 2026 World Cup draw, Infantino’s decision to award the first FIFA Peace Prize at the World Cup draw in DC ensures that debates over football’s role in international politics will remain front and center in the global conversation.
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