FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the decision to award former U.S. President Donald Trump the governing body’s inaugural Peace Prize, stating Trump was “instrumental” in efforts to save lives during conflicts, including the war in Gaza. The award was presented during the 2026 World Cup draw, an event that combined the tournament’s official match-up ceremony with the new prize presentation.
In an exclusive interview with Sky News, Infantino emphasized the importance of recognizing contributions to peace. “We have to support everyone who does something for peace,” he said. Trump, who had publicly expressed interest in the Nobel Peace Prize, was widely anticipated to receive FIFA’s new honor. Infantino added that he believed Trump should have been awarded the Nobel for his role in brokering a ceasefire in Gaza, reflecting a close alignment between the FIFA chief and the former U.S. leader.
The discussion also touched on Russia’s ongoing exclusion from FIFA competitions following its invasion of Ukraine. Infantino stated he does not support bans or boycotts in football and indicated a willingness to consider lifting the restriction for youth-level events in the future. He questioned the logic of isolating football from broader diplomatic and business relations. “Why football?” he asked, reiterating his opposition to using sport as a political tool.
Separately, Infantino issued an apology to British football supporters for a recent remark about the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He had joked, “No Brit was arrested during a World Cup,” a comment criticized by fan groups, including the Football Supporters’ Association, which called it a “cheap joke.” Recognizing the offense, Infantino clarified that by using “Brit,” he inadvertently overlooked the distinct identities of Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish fans. “I need to apologize first to… I apologize,” he stated.
The interview highlights several ongoing tensions within global football governance, from political recognitions to the sport’s role in international relations. As preparations continue for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Infantino’s comments underscore FIFA’s complex navigation of political neutrality, diplomatic pressure, and its expanding institutional footprint. The decisions surrounding prize awards and participation bans are likely to remain focal points as the world’s most-watched sporting event approaches.
