FIFA hands trump a peace prize, then goes silent after airstrikes
FIFA avoids comment as criticism grows
FIFA has so far offered no public response after awarding US President Donald Trump a peace prize shortly before the United States carried out military strikes in Venezuela.
According to reporting referenced during an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, at least 80 people were killed during the weekend operation. UN Secretary General António Guterres said he was “deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected,” highlighting fears of possible violations.
Despite the international reaction, FIFA has not clarified whether the events affect its stance on the award or its relationship with the US president.
Arrests and rising geopolitical tension
During the military operation, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were detained and flown to New York, where they face drug and arms trafficking charges, according to statements cited at the United Nations.
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The Venezuela operation is not an isolated case. Trump has also warned of potential military action against Colombia and has repeatedly stated his intention to seize Greenland, moves that have intensified global scrutiny of his foreign policy.
Observers say those actions complicate FIFA’s decision to publicly associate its first peace award with the US president.
A prize with no public criteria
The peace prize was presented in early December during the World Cup draw ceremony. The United States will host the 2026 tournament together with Mexico and Canada.
At the event, Trump received the inaugural “FIFA Peace Prize, Football Unites the World.” FIFA has never released details about how the winner was selected or what standards were used.
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According to The Telegraph, FIFA has since decided not to issue any further communication about the prize following the Venezuela strikes.
Public praise that now draws questions
The award ceremony itself was celebratory. FIFA president Gianni Infantino personally presented Trump with a trophy, medal, and certificate.
“You can always count on my support,” Infantino told Trump during the presentation. Trump later described the prize as “one of the greatest honors of my life.”
Trump has previously expressed interest in winning the Nobel Peace Prize, an honor that did not materialize. Infantino publicly said at the time that the Nobel committee’s decision was regrettable.
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An uncomfortable silence inside FIFA
Following the military action in Venezuela, The Telegraph contacted FIFA to ask whether the peace prize would be reconsidered or explained. The newspaper reported that FIFA staff confirmed no public statement was planned.
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter also weighed in on the situation. “My successor, I really don’t know whether it’s Trump or Infantino,” the 89 year old said, casting a critical eye on FIFA’s leadership and its closeness to political power.
Sources: The Telegraph, United Nations
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