Maseru, Dec. 09 — Economic for Freedom Fighters (EFF) says FIFA’s decision to invent or repurpose a “peace prize” for the sole purpose of flattering Donald Trump is shameful.
It says it amounts to sports washing fascism and is yet another manifestation of a dangerous global trend in which powerful individuals with anti-democratic tendencies are sanitised through international institutions and football, the most cherished sport on earth, cannot and must not be used to legitimise fascism, imperialism or political manipulation.
FIFA says the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, was presented with the inaugural “FIFA Peace Prize Football Unites the World” by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the iconic John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington DC.
President Trump received the FIFA Peace Prize award and a commemorative medal after welcoming the leaders of Congo DR and Rwanda to the American capital to sign a historic peace treaty.
FIFA also stated that the US President, who was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on 20 January 2025, played a pivotal role in establishing a ceasefire and promoting peace between Israel and Palestine, and he has also actively sought to end other conflicts.
The FIFA President commended President Trump’s tireless efforts to bring people together in a spirit of peace. “This is what we want from a leader, a leader that cares about the people.
We want to live in a safe world, in a safe environment. We want to unite, that is what we do here today, that is what we will do at the (FIFA) World Cup, President,” Gianni Infantino said in presenting the award.
“You definitely deserve the first FIFA Peace Prize for your action, for what you have obtained in your way, but you have obtained it in an incredible way. You can always count, Mr President, on my support, on the support of the entire football community, or “soccer” community, to help you make peace and make the world prosper all over the world.”
The FIFA Peace Prize award was sculpted by Azerbaijani artists Salhab Mammadov and Ali Ibadullayev, who have displayed their work at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, among other venues, and is due to be bestowed annually to an individual in recognition of their extraordinary action for peace and, in doing so, helps to unite people across the globe.
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