FIFA Council Urges Infantino to Overhaul or Scrap Controversial Peace Prize After Trump Award

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been urged by senior FIFA council members to either scrap or significantly depoliticise the organisation's controversial Peace Prize following widespread criticism over its recent award to former US president Donald Trump.

The call came during Thursday's FIFA council meeting, where concerns were raised about the political nature of the prize and its impact on FIFA's reputation. The Peace Prize, intended to recognise contributions to peace through football, has faced backlash for awarding a prominent political figure, with Trump likely to remain the only political leader ever to receive the honour.

Several council members advocated for the complete abolition of the prize, arguing that it risks entangling FIFA in political disputes that could damage the organisation's neutrality. Others suggested reforms to depoliticise the award, ensuring future recipients are selected based on football-related social responsibility rather than political status.

The matter has now been referred to FIFA's football social responsibility committee, which is tasked with reviewing the prize's criteria and structure. This committee is expected to present its recommendations before the next FIFA council meeting scheduled for 16 December in Doha.

The controversy highlights ongoing challenges FIFA faces in balancing its role as a global football governing body with broader social and political initiatives. The awarding of the Peace Prize to Trump sparked a significant backlash among football stakeholders, fans, and media observers, prompting a re-evaluation of how FIFA engages with political figures and causes.

Looking ahead, FIFA's decision on the future of the Peace Prize will likely influence its approach to social responsibility awards and its global image. The council's December meeting will be pivotal in determining whether the prize is retained in a revised form or discontinued altogether, signaling how FIFA plans to navigate the complex intersection of sport and politics going forward.

For further details on this developing story, visit The Guardian's report.