FIFA Peace Prize Faces Possible Axing After Backlash Over Trump Award

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published October 16, 2026

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Donald Trump could remain the only political figure ever to receive FIFA's Peace Prize, as senior members of football's governing body push to abolish the award or prevent politicians from receiving it in future.

The proposals emerged at a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich on Thursday, according to a report published by The Guardian on October 16. Several council members called for the prize to be scrapped altogether, while others favoured restricting eligibility to individuals within football whose work promotes peace and social harmony.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino introduced the annual award in November 2025 and presented its inaugural edition to Trump at the World Cup draw in Washington on December 5. The decision prompted criticism over FIFA's political neutrality and the lack of a publicly disclosed selection process. The organization has not explained how Trump was nominated or chosen.

The matter has now been referred to FIFA's Football Social Responsibility Committee, which is expected to recommend whether the prize should continue and, if so, under what criteria. The Council is scheduled to consider the recommendations at its next meeting in Doha on December 16.

No final decision has been made, and the review does not amount to revoking Trump's award. The outcome will determine whether FIFA retains the prize, reshapes its purpose or abandons it after its first presentation.