FIFA Faces Pressure After Trump Receives Surprise Peace Award at World Cup Event

FIFA was criticized after former President Donald Trump got a rare Peace Prize at the 2026 World Cup Final Draw in Washington. The human rights group believes FIFA’s impartiality rules were violated.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented a medal and certificate. FIFA had never awarded a trophy like this, making it extra stranger. Many viewers puzzled why FIFA would reward a politician at a World Cup event.

Sports governance monitoring organization FairSquare advised FIFA to investigate ethics after the ceremony. The group’s detailed lawsuit stated that FIFA’s vow to be politically impartial is violated by honoring any political leader, especially during an election season. According to their letter, the move breached multiple neutrality principles required to make sports politically impartial.

FairSquare’s concerns go beyond one award, said Program Director Nicholas McGeehan. He stated FIFA governance flaws are evident. According to him, recognizing Trump shows that the FIFA leadership has given the president too much power without oversight or accountability.

McGeehan feared global sports administration and political bias. FIFA’s mechanism preserves the sport’s integrity, but this episode shows how quickly it may be compromised. He thought the prize violated international sports organizations’ neutrality.

The argument occurs as FIFA prepares for the largest World Cup in US, Mexico, and Canada in 2026. Millions of fans will observe the sport and its governance. A competitive, cultural, and harmonious event became political after the surprise reward.

FIFA has ignored ethics reviews. Fans, critics, and policy experts question whether the organization will handle grievances or uphold its judgment. Worldwide, many ask if the occurrence was a one-time mistake or a sign of FIFA’s leadership troubles.