Copyright Newsweek
Soccer’s world governing body, FIFA has revealed a global peace prize bearing its name will be presented for the first time in Washington, DC next month during the draw for the World Cup. FIFA president Gianni Infantino unveiled the initiative at the America Business Forum in Miami, shortly after Donald Trump addressed the same event. Infantino has a close relationship with Trump although he would not be drawn on whether the first recipient would be Trump, who has openly called for getting the Nobel Peace Prize. People took to social media to suggest that the award could be some consolation for Trump if he were to receive it. Newsweek has contacted FIFA for comment. Why It Matters Infantino boasted of his ties with Trump on Wednesday, raising speculation that the U.S. president could be in the running to be the inaugural winner of the FIFA prize to mark his efforts in ending several conflicts, including the two-year war in Gaza. This could be some consolation weeks after he was passed over for the Nobel Peace Prize despite lobbying from fellow Republicans, some world leaders and Trump himself. What To Know Infantino revealed on Wednesday that the FIFA Peace Prize would be awarded on December 5, during the draw for the World Cup finals which take place in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. He said the award would recognize a contribution to those who work to end conflicts "and bring people together in a spirit of peace." When asked if Trump might win the award, Infantino, replied, "on the 5th of December you will see." In August, Trump, was next to Infantino, when he announced from the Oval Office that the World Cup draw would take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. After the U.S. was announced as one of the World Cup’s hosts, Trump hosted Infantino at the White House and their close ties have flourished since, with Infantino calling the U.S. president "my great friend" during a dinner at the 2020 global economic summit in Davos, according to The Associated Press. Trump then invited Infantino to a White House signing event for the Abraham Accords, which sought to normalize diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab countries. Ending Israel’s war in Gaza was touted by Trump as among the global conflicts that he played a role in ending as he repeatedly called for the Nobel Peace Prize, that was awarded the peace prize to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. What People Are Saying FIFA president Gianni Infantino, said Wednesday: "in an increasingly unsettled and divided world, it’s fundamental to recognize the outstanding contribution of those who work hard to end conflicts." FIFA Media, on X: "FIFA introduces the FIFA Peace Prize—an award to recognize exceptional actions for peace and unity." Martyn Ziegler, chief sports reporter, The Times, on X: "Donald Trump didn’t win Nobel Peace Prize—so FIFA invents one instead." What Happens Next The FIFA peace prize will be awarded during the World Cup finals’ draw on December 5 at the Kennedy Center to determine the fixtures for next year’s tournament that takes place between June 11 and July 19.
