FIFA is reviewing the future of its "Peace Prize – Football Unites the World" after awarding its inaugural prize to then-US President Donald Trump in December 2025. This review follows objections from several FIFA Council members who called for its abolition or significant changes at an October 15, 2026, meeting in Zurich.

The controversy surrounding the award has raised questions about FIFA's adherence to its own statutes regarding political neutrality and could lead to significant changes in how the organization recognizes peace efforts globally.

What the records show

FIFA officially announced the creation of the "FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World" on November 5, 2025. The organization stated the award would be annual, recognizing individuals who took exceptional actions for peace and united people globally. FIFA President Gianni Infantino introduced the prize, stating it aimed to acknowledge those working to end conflicts and bring people together.

On December 5, 2025, Donald Trump, then serving as the US President, received the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize from FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The ceremony occurred during the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.. Trump was presented with a golden trophy, a medal, and a certificate. Infantino stated that Trump modeled an "unwavering commitment to advancing peace and unity throughout the world". Reports indicate this award was not formally approved by the FIFA Council, the organization's main decision-making body.

The timeline

  • November 5, 2025: FIFA officially announced the creation of the "FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World".
  • December 5, 2025: Then-US President Donald Trump received the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize from FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Washington D.C..
  • October 15, 2026: During a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that the future of the Peace Prize would be referred to the FIFA Football Social Responsibility Committee. This decision followed strong objections from several council members.
  • December 16, 2026: The FIFA Football Social Responsibility Committee is expected to present its recommendations regarding the Peace Prize before the next FIFA Council meeting in Doha.

What changed and for whom

The decision to award the prize to Trump generated controversy among FIFA Council members. These members viewed the award as a political act that violated FIFA's commitment to political neutrality, as mandated by Article Two of its statutes. Concerns were also raised because the selection process for Trump was never made public.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino introduced the prize, personally presented it to Donald Trump, and has now tasked a committee with reviewing its future. The FIFA Football Social Responsibility Committee, a 22-member body chaired by Javier Zanetti, is tasked with assessing the merits of the award, scrutinizing its establishment, and determining whether it should continue in its current form or be reformed. Debbie Hewitt, FIFA Vice President and Chair of the English Football Association, confirmed the committee's review would examine the prize's origin, justification, and decision-making process for the award to Trump. One key proposal under consideration is to redefine the prize to honor individuals within football who have promoted social harmony and responsibility, explicitly excluding politicians from future eligibility.

What the subject has said publicly

Upon receiving the award, Donald Trump publicly called it "truly one of the great honors of my life".

What we could not confirm

We could not confirm the specific names of the FIFA Council members who objected to the award to Trump, nor the exact nature of their demands beyond calls for abolition or significant changes. We also could not confirm the details of the voting process behind Trump's selection, as it was not made public. The potential objection from Trump if he does not like the identity of future recipients is an assertion by a council member, not a confirmed event.