FIFA president Gianni Infantino has strongly defended his decision to award United States President Donald Trump FIFA’s inaugural peace prize, dismissing critics and calls for a boycott of the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking in a wide-ranging interview on Sky News on Monday, Infantino acknowledged the controversy his decision has stirred but insisted the award was justified.
“Objectively, he deserves it,” Infantino said when asked why Trump was honoured. “Whatever we can do to help peace in the world, we should be doing it,” he added, explaining FIFA’s rationale for creating and bestowing the new prize.
The peace prize was presented to Trump at the World Cup draw last December in Washington, D.C., a ceremony that drew sharp global criticism for appearing to blend football’s highest office with contemporary geopolitics.
Some commentators questioned the appropriateness of awarding a political leader with a peace accolade amid controversial domestic and foreign policies.
Infantino also addressed rising talk of a World Cup boycott over Trump’s policies.
The tournament – set to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19 – has sparked debate among some national football officials and supporters concerned about inclusivity and political positioning.
However, Infantino dismissed the notion. “There were never calls for businesses to boycott a country, so why football?” he said, stressing his view that sport should unite rather than divide people.
In the same interview, Infantino also touched on other contentious issues in world football. He signalled that FIFA and the European confederation UEFA may need to “have to” look at allowing Russia back into international play after its ban following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which he said has only increased frustration and hatred. “We have to (look at readmitting Russia). Definitely,” Infantino said, advocating for youth participation as a way to foster connection.
Infantino’s stance – both on the peace prize and on lifting Russia’s ban – has been met with mixed reactions from the global football community, with some officials emphasizing the need for sport to maintain political neutrality while others argue engagement through football can help bridge divides.
