Fifa president Gianni Infantino has unveiled what could be described as football's version of the Nobel Peace Prize – an annual award aimed at recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to uniting people through their unwavering commitment to peace.
In a move that comes just weeks after US President Donald Trump was snubbed for the real deal, Infantino announced that the inaugural Fifa Peace Prize will be awarded on 5 December during the World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC. The event is expected to attract high-profile attendees, including Trump, who has been invited to attend.
According to Infantino, the prize aims to further the sport's moral responsibility to bring people together and promote peace. He stated that football stands for peace and that the award will recognise individuals who unite people and bring hope for future generations.
The timing of the announcement has drawn attention due to Trump's long-standing obsession with winning the Nobel Peace Prize, which he has campaigned aggressively for throughout his presidency. The decision to award the prize instead highlights Infantino's commitment to using football as a force for dialogue and unity.
Fifa recently partnered with Trump's administration on staging the 2026 World Cup across the US, Canada, and Mexico. This close alignment between Fifa and Trump's administration has raised questions about the blurring of sport and diplomacy. Despite this, Infantino remains adamant that football exists beyond politics.
The inaugural Fifa Peace Prize will be presented annually by Fifa on behalf of all football-loving people worldwide. The prize comes as part of a broader effort to position football as a global force for peace and unity.
In a move that comes just weeks after US President Donald Trump was snubbed for the real deal, Infantino announced that the inaugural Fifa Peace Prize will be awarded on 5 December during the World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC. The event is expected to attract high-profile attendees, including Trump, who has been invited to attend.
According to Infantino, the prize aims to further the sport's moral responsibility to bring people together and promote peace. He stated that football stands for peace and that the award will recognise individuals who unite people and bring hope for future generations.
The timing of the announcement has drawn attention due to Trump's long-standing obsession with winning the Nobel Peace Prize, which he has campaigned aggressively for throughout his presidency. The decision to award the prize instead highlights Infantino's commitment to using football as a force for dialogue and unity.
Fifa recently partnered with Trump's administration on staging the 2026 World Cup across the US, Canada, and Mexico. This close alignment between Fifa and Trump's administration has raised questions about the blurring of sport and diplomacy. Despite this, Infantino remains adamant that football exists beyond politics.
The inaugural Fifa Peace Prize will be presented annually by Fifa on behalf of all football-loving people worldwide. The prize comes as part of a broader effort to position football as a global force for peace and unity.