FIFA Chief Stands Firm on Trump Peace Prize Amid Growing Controversy

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is refusing to apologize for his controversial decision to present former U.S. President Donald Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, despite widespread criticism from the football community.

Speaking with Sky News, Infantino defended the contentious honour by emphasizing FIFA's commitment to global harmony. "Whatever we can do to help peace in the world, we should be doing it," the FIFA boss stated, adding that Trump "objectively deserves it."

The award presentation took place during the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony in Washington this past December. Critics have suggested the FIFA honour served as compensation after Trump failed to secure the Nobel Peace Prize in October—a prize Infantino himself had publicly supported Trump receiving.

Venezuelan Situation Central to Defence

Infantino's primary justification centres on Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, this year's Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Following Trump's military intervention aimed at apprehending Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Machado symbolically transferred her Nobel honour to Trump.

"It's not just Gianni Infantino who said it," Infantino emphasized. "There's a Nobel Peace Prize winner who said this. He was instrumental in resolving conflicts and saving thousands of lives."

The controversy arrives at a particularly sensitive moment, as U.S. immigration enforcement faces intense scrutiny following the deadly shootings of two American citizens by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis.

2026 World Cup Plans Remain Unchanged

Addressing suggestions from his predecessor to boycott the United States over immigration policy concerns, Infantino firmly rejected the idea. He opposes boycotts as a principle and noted the absence of broader international calls to isolate America economically or diplomatically.

"In our divided world, in our aggressive world, we need occasions where people can come, can meet around the passion for football," Infantino declared. He remains committed to ensuring the 2026 World Cup proceeds smoothly on American soil.

For bettors monitoring World Cup futures markets, the political controversy appears to have minimal impact on tournament preparations. The 2026 competition remains scheduled to proceed as planned.

Adding fuel to the fire, Infantino has recently floated the idea of ending football's ban on Russia. While the Kremlin welcomed these comments, they've intensified criticism directed at the FIFA president from various quarters of the international football community.