Jackson Irvine Condemns FIFA Peace Prize to Trump as 'A Mockery'

"Decisions like that feel like they just set us back." Jackson Irvine isn't holding back, and considering FIFA's actions last December, it's difficult to dispute his position.

The FC St. Pauli midfielder and Co-President of Professional Footballers Australia has openly criticized FIFA's newly established Peace Prize — presented to Donald Trump by Gianni Infantino during the World Cup draw — calling it "a mockery." The 33-year-old footballer told Reuters that this decision contradicts FIFA's own human rights charter and further distances football's governing body from the communities the beautiful game is meant to represent.

Irvine's criticism isn't isolated. Norway Football Association president Lise Klaveness has advocated for the prize to be "abolished" completely, maintaining that FIFA lacks both the authority and the governance framework to independently distribute political honours. Her concerns about procedure are valid: FIFA's own Council wasn't even brought into discussions before Infantino unveiled the prize — a detail reported by The Athletic at the time. This isn't merely a technical oversight. It reveals everything about the decision-making process behind this controversial award.

Infantino's Trump alliance raises serious questions

Infantino's comments during the award ceremony were remarkable. "You definitely deserve the first FIFA Peace Prize for your action... You can always count, Mr President, on my support, on the support of the entire football community." These words represented a FIFA president offering personal commitment to a current head of state — specifically of the nation hosting the tournament. The conflict of interest is self-evident.

The Peace Prize was established in November 2025, mere weeks after Trump's unsuccessful pursuit of the Nobel Peace Prize became public knowledge. The timing alone should have raised red flags throughout the organization. Nevertheless, Infantino proceeded without council authorization and presented Trump with both a trophy and medal during the World Cup draw ceremony.

For an organization that promotes a human rights charter and consistently describes football as a "force for good," this represents a credibility crisis that won't simply disappear.

Irvine voices targeted LGBTQI+ safety concerns

Beyond criticizing the prize itself, Irvine expressed direct apprehensions about the safety and representation of LGBTQI+ supporters and players at a tournament taking place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada this summer. He was unambiguous: "In America, we're seeing more and more the rights of these communities put into question... these people and their rights are being taken away all over the country."

These aren't empty words from Irvine. Four years ago, he spearheaded an effort with his Socceroos teammates to create a video highlighting Qatar's treatment of same-sex couples and migrant labourers ahead of that World Cup. He demonstrated his commitment then. His current statements carry credibility because of that established history.

Australia are placed in Group D alongside the USA, Paraguay, and Türkiye. Irvine begins his third World Cup on June 13 against Türkiye at BC Place in Vancouver — meaning he'll be competing in the host country while these controversies remain unresolved. Whether FIFA will provide any substantive response to these concerns by tournament time remains an open question.