FIFA’s creation of a controversial “peace prize” awarded to President Donald Trump—without transparent criteria or nominees—mirrors its opaque selection of Saudi Arabia as host for the 2034 World Cup. Both decisions raise serious concerns about FIFA’s commitment to human rights, transparency, and fair governance, drawing criticism from human rights groups and global stakeholders.
FIFA’s Peace Prize: A New Controversy
In a move that has stunned sports and political observers, FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented President Donald Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize at the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, D.C. The award, titled “FIFA Peace Prize: Football Unites the World,” was hastily announced in early November, just weeks after Trump was passed over for the Nobel Peace Prize in favor of Venezuelan activist Maria Corina Machado. No details were provided about the selection process, and no other candidates or criteria were publicly disclosed, leaving many senior FIFA officials surprised and concerned.
Infantino praised Trump for “uniting people” and fostering “hope for future generations,” citing diplomatic efforts such as the Abraham Accords. However, critics, including FairSquare and Human Rights Watch, have condemned the decision, arguing that it undermines FIFA’s stated commitment to neutrality and human rights, especially given Trump’s record on global conflicts and domestic policies.
Governance and Transparency Issues
The lack of transparency surrounding the FIFA Peace Prize is not an isolated incident. This approach closely resembles the process used to select Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 World Cup, which was also criticized for lacking a competitive, open, or transparent bidding process. Both decisions were made without meaningful consultation with FIFA’s Council or public scrutiny, raising questions about the organization’s adherence to its own governance standards.
According to The Guardian, a newly established “social responsibility” committee, led by controversial Myanmar businessman Zaw Zaw, is tasked with outlining procedures for future awards. This move further fuels skepticism about FIFA’s independence and integrity, as the committee’s members and criteria remain undisclosed.
Human Rights and Labor Rights Concerns
The award to Trump and the selection of Saudi Arabia as host nation both highlight FIFA’s problematic record on human rights and labor rights. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have repeatedly raised alarms about Saudi Arabia’s treatment of migrant workers, restrictions on freedom of expression, and suppression of dissent. The same concerns apply to the Trump administration, particularly regarding immigration crackdowns and suppression of critics.
FIFA’s failure to conduct rigorous human rights due diligence before awarding the peace prize or selecting a host nation undermines its credibility and exposes the organization to accusations of sportswashing—using major sporting events to whitewash reputations and distract from human rights abuses.
Press Freedom and Accountability
The absence of transparency in both the peace prize and host selection processes also raises concerns about press freedom and accountability. Journalists and civil society groups have been unable to obtain clear answers from FIFA about the criteria, selection process, or rationale behind these decisions. This lack of openness makes it difficult for the public and stakeholders to hold FIFA accountable for its actions.
FairSquare’s director, Nick McGeehan, told CNN Sports that Infantino’s apparent alignment with Trump’s MAGA agenda might yield short-term commercial benefits but poses significant risks to the integrity and reputation of the sport. Critics argue that FIFA’s close relationship with Trump and Saudi Arabia could compromise its ability to act as an impartial arbiter in global sports governance.
Broader Implications for Mega-Event Hosting
The controversies surrounding the FIFA Peace Prize and the 2034 World Cup host selection are not isolated incidents. They reflect broader global debates about accountability, sportswashing, and ethical hosting of mega-events. International stakeholders, fans, civil society groups, and human rights organizations are increasingly demanding that sports organizations like FIFA adhere to higher standards of transparency, human rights, and fair governance.
The spoof award presented by California Governor Gavin Newsom to mock Trump’s “peace prize” has further highlighted the absurdity of FIFA’s actions and the need for reform within the organization. Newsom’s parody, shared widely on social media, underscores public skepticism about FIFA’s integrity and its ability to uphold the values it claims to promote.
FIFA’s decision to award President Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, and its selection of Saudi Arabia as the 2034 World Cup host, both raise serious concerns about the organization’s commitment to human rights, transparency, and fair governance. These actions undermine FIFA’s credibility and expose the organization to accusations of sportswashing and political favoritism. As global stakeholders continue to demand accountability and ethical hosting, FIFA must establish transparent, independent review processes for both awards and host selection to restore public trust and uphold the integrity of the sport.