The Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) has faced backlash on social media after launching the inaugural ‘FIFA Peace Prize’ ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The award is intended to recognise individuals across the globe who have made conscientious efforts to bring peace to conflict- or war-stricken areas.
“Who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace and, by doing so, have united people across the world… and consequently deserve a special and unique recognition,” the statement from FIFA read.
Black Queens coach Kim Lars Björkegren relishes tough test against England
In response, football fans have expressed outrage over FIFA’s decision to introduce such an initiative, arguing that it is unnecessary and does not add any value to the sport.
They accuse FIFA President Gianni Infantino of creating the award to appease United States President Donald Trump in order to gain certain favors ahead of the tournament.
Many fans have speculated that the award will likely be given to the US President for his role in brokering a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Gaza.
Infantino has also been criticised for allegedly pandering to world leaders of countries hosting major football competitions.
He is frequently seen with the US President at various events, the most recent being his appearance in Egypt during the ceasefire deal ceremony.
Read the reactions below:
😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 I actually really hope they give it to Trump. I hope they present it to hi at the final so the whole world can see him literally get his participation trophy 😂 😂 😂
— Xmus Waxon Flaxon Jaxon 🇬🇧 🇳🇬 (@chairmanMAO_92) November 5, 2025
Question is, will it be Donald or Benjamin
— T Mac 🐸 #Toots307 (@NoShins81) November 5, 2025
Infantino would climb inside Trump like a Pantomime Horse if he could…
— B2B Made in Brum © Podcast (@B2BBizClub) November 5, 2025
Aha, Trump will finally have his peace prize😂
— Negone Technologies (@Negonetech) November 5, 2025
Corruption rearing its ugly head in FIFA again, surely just a coincidence that this is set up the year USA has hosted the Club World Cup and due to co-host the world cup. Whilst grovelling to Trump all year in the white house. Besides I thought FIFA didn’t like political messages
— whizzpop (@holmsey1983) November 5, 2025
Embarassing. Sport and politics shouldn’t be mixed
— Mark Hedley (@hedley_mark) November 5, 2025
I won’t be shocked if he presents it to Trump or Netanyahu.
— The Rayo Kasali™ (@TheRayoKasali) November 5, 2025
A useless “award “ from a corrupt organization! Worthless!
— Retired Guy (@retired_Guy_) November 6, 2025
Will he also be writing Donald Trump’s acceptance speech?
— Aaron Porter (@AaronPorter) November 5, 2025
FIFA is the most pointless and corrupt organization ever.
Tell me without googling…ANYBODY… what does FIFA do?
Both their job description and what they actually do to perform it??— The Blue Insurrectionist (@KamalaAnon) November 5, 2025
‘Corruption Organisation Hands a Pointless Award to Donald Trump’ Award
— James (@James_Pratt_1) November 5, 2025
What if the ever so eager to please sycophantic Mr Infantino as ever tries to please money masters and knees down and gives it to WC 2026 PRESIDENT Trump???
— AusPharmacist (@RPSPharmacist) November 6, 2025
SB/JE
Meanwhile, watch the latest edition of Sports Check with Godwin Sackey in the post below
