FIFA faces governance backlash over inaugural Peace Prize to Donald Trump
Officials argue the award politicises the sport and undermines the governing body's Human Rights Policy
Football officials and players have condemned the international governing body for politicising the sport by awarding its inaugural Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump just six weeks before the 2026 World Cup. The controversy centres on the decision made during the World Cup draw in December, which has drawn sharp criticism from within the football community regarding FIFA's mandate and ethical standards.
Norwegian Football Association President Lise Klaveness has called for the prize to be abolished, arguing that it falls outside the organisation's remit and should be left to the Nobel Institute in Oslo. She emphasised that the sensitive nature of such awards requires independent juries and robust criteria, suggesting that FIFA lacks the necessary instruments to manage the arm's-length distance from state leaders without compromising its governance.
The NFF board is now writing a letter to support calls for an investigation into the award by the non-profit organisation FairSquare. This group alleges that FIFA breached its own ethical guidelines regarding political impartiality. Klaveness stated that the complaint should be treated with a transparent timeline, with the reasoning and conclusion of any inquiry made public to ensure accountability.
Australian footballer Jackson Irvine accused FIFA of undermining its Human Rights Policy and mocking its role as a force for good. He cited recent US military strikes on Venezuela and Iran as evidence that the organisation's actions are disconnected from the realities of the world it claims to champion. Irvine argued that decisions of this nature set back the perceived market of football, particularly at the top level where the game is becoming increasingly detached from society.
The criticism comes against a backdrop of FIFA's 2017 Human Rights Policy and its specific framework for the 2026 tournament, which includes provisions for host cities to promote inclusion and prohibit discrimination. Rights groups have previously noted concerns regarding the Trump administration's hardline immigration crackdown and deportation drive, which pose risks to athletes, fans, and workers in the US co-hosting the event alongside Canada and Mexico.
FIFA did not respond to requests for comment regarding the criticism or the ongoing allegations. The outcome of the investigation by FairSquare remains unknown, and it is currently unclear whether the governing body will scrap the Peace Prize or if the NFF's call for abolition will be heeded by other federations.
