FIFA Chief Gianni Infantino Fires Back at Critics Over Trump Peace Prize Controversy
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino maintained that U.S. President Donald Trump "merits" the FIFA Peace Prize amid widespread controversy over the honor and its inaugural recipient.
President Trump received the newly created Peace Prize during the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw ceremony in December. Infantino praised the American leader as someone committed to "fostering peace and global prosperity," which aligns with FIFA's mission of promoting "peace, unity and togetherness" through football.
The recognition sparked significant international criticism, further intensified by President Trump's recent ambitions regarding Greenland, Denmark's autonomous territory, and his strict immigration policies throughout the United States.
However, Infantino reinforced his decision to name President Trump as the Peace Prize's first recipient. "From an objective standpoint, he merits this recognition," the FIFA chief stated to Sky News' Yalda Hakim.
"This isn't merely Gianni Infantino's opinion ... [there's] a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who expressed this view," Infantino added, referencing Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado's endorsement of President Trump. "He played a crucial role in conflict resolution and preserving lives, saving thousands of people."
Infantino Addresses 2026 World Cup Boycott Calls
Infantino Addresses 2026 World Cup Boycott Calls
Infantino's statements emerge as boycott demands for the 2026 World Cup intensify, with the tournament scheduled across the United States, Mexico and Canada this summer. With political tensions escalating daily during the Trump presidency, influential figures question FIFA's choice to stage football's premier event primarily on American territory.
French sports minister Marina Ferrari disclosed there's presently "no inclination" from her ministry toward a boycott, though she acknowledged she cannot "predict future developments." German football federation vice-president Oke Göttlich emphasized that "we must engage in this [boycott] conversation" considering the "possible risk."
Infantino predictably opposed the mounting opposition. "I believe, in our fractured world, in our hostile environment, we require opportunities where individuals can gather around their shared passion [for football]."
U.S. men's national team manager Mauricio Pochettino expressed similar views recently when he encouraged his squad to concentrate solely on football matters leading up to the World Cup. "We aren't political figures. We are sports professionals who should only discuss our profession."
Could FIFA Eventually Remove Russia's Suspension?
Could FIFA Eventually Remove Russia's Suspension?
After Russia's military action in Ukraine during 2022, UEFA and FIFA implemented sanctions excluding Russia from international tournaments. Infantino, however, supports removing these limitations particularly for youth competitions.
"We must [consider Russia's readmission]. Absolutely," he stated. "This prohibition has accomplished nothing; it has merely generated additional frustration and animosity. Permitting Russian youth to participate in football across Europe could be beneficial. It's something we must pursue, certainly at the junior levels."
Infantino also revealed his opposition to sanctioning Israel despite the nation's ongoing dispute with Palestine. The 55-year-old believes FIFA "should never exclude any nation from football participation due to their political leadership's actions."
These bold statements will likely fuel the expanding political debate surrounding the sport and its administrative body with the 2026 World Cup approaching in just five months.