There is a growing sense of embarrassment among mid-level and senior officials within Fifa over the awarding of its peace prize to Donald Trump, according to sources. The US president received the award at the World Cup draw in Washington DC in December, with Fifa president Gianni Infantino praising Trump as a leader who embodies hope, unity and a future.
Since then, the US has launched airstrikes across Venezuela and captured the country’s president, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores, flying them to the US where Maduro faces drug and weapons charges. Trump has also threatened to invade Greenland, stating the US needs the territory “very badly”.
Unease within Fifa at the time of the award has now shifted to “deep embarrassment”, according to a senior Fifa source. Multiple officials have expressed unease about how the award was handled, with the governing body not disclosing details of the selection process.
A highly placed official admitted that staging the World Cup in the US will be a “very delicate” and “difficult” period, both in the lead-up and during the tournament. It is understood that Infantino has been left to deal with political matters concerning Trump, as others fear reputational damage.
Fifa defended its decision, stating it strongly supports its peace prize and noting that the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, gave her medal to Trump. A spokesperson highlighted strong relations with Trump and co-hosts Canada and Mexico, including the formation of the White House Task Force for the Fifa World Cup.
