FIFA has announced a new annual award called the FIFA Peace Prize, which will be presented for the first time at the World Cup draw in Washington on 5 December. FIFA said on Wednesday that the award aims to “recognize exceptional measures for peace.” Associated Press (AFP) I mentioned.
The inaugural honor will be revealed during the lottery ceremony at the Kennedy Center, which US President Donald Trump said he intends to attend, according to the British Daily Mail. New York Times (New York Times).
Trump’s chances
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has a close personal relationship with Trump, refused to confirm whether the US president would receive the top prize. “On December 5, you’ll see,” he told reporters at the US Business Forum in Miami, shortly after Trump’s speech at the same event, as reported by The Guardian. AP.
“In an increasingly turbulent and divided world, it is essential to recognize the outstanding contribution of those who work hard to end conflicts and bring people together in the spirit of peace,” Infantino said.
FIFA added, according to APThe award will be presented every year “on behalf of fans from all over the world.”
Trump’s relations with FIFA and Infantino
now It was reported that Infantino had built a remarkably close relationship with Trump over the years, which included several visits to the White House and joint appearances abroad. During one visit, Infantino presented Trump with one of three official replicas of the Men’s World Cup.
Infantino described Trump as a “close friend” and said he admired the president’s energy and directness. “He does what he says. He says what he thinks,” Infantino said. AP. “He says what a lot of people also think, but maybe don’t dare say. That’s why he’s so successful.”
The FIFA president also praised Trump as “very helpful in everything we do for the World Cup,” which the United States will co-host in 2026 alongside Canada and Mexico.
Trump’s Nobel Prize Disappointment
The announcement of the new FIFA Peace Prize comes just weeks after Trump bypassed the Nobel Peace Prize, despite pressure from Republican lawmakers and world leaders. White House Communications Director Stephen Cheung told… New York Times The Nobel Committee “proved that it puts politics over peace” after awarding the honor to a Venezuelan politician instead.
Infantino’s closeness to Trump has raised scrutiny of FIFA’s position on political neutrality. The organization had previously imposed sanctions on member associations due to government interference in football affairs, but Infantino described his friendship with Trump as “very crucial” for planning the World Cup, as reported by the British newspaper “The Sun”. now.
The FIFA president will personally present the new Peace Prize, which he said aims to celebrate “those who unite people through their actions.” He added that the number of viewers for the ceremony and the draw is expected to reach about one billion viewers around the world.
(tags for translation) Donald Trump
