The World Cup draw, intended as a celebration of soccer, turned into a display of political flattery by FIFA President Gianni Infantino towards US President Donald Trump. The event, held near the White House, featured Trump being awarded a “Peace Prize” by Infantino, despite Trump’s controversial foreign policies. The ceremony included a tribute to Trump on screens, followed by the presentation of a trophy labeled with his name as the inaugural recipient of the FIFA Peace Prize.
The scene of Trump adorning himself with a medal and certificate was met with criticism for its overt display of admiration towards a divisive leader. The association of FIFA, once marred by corruption scandals, with such a spectacle raised concerns about its credibility. Infantino’s uncritical stance alongside Trump, whose actions include military interventions and global unrest, further fueled the controversy.
While Trump reveled in the attention, no mention was made of ongoing conflicts or the irony of honoring “peace” amidst active hostilities. The event culminated in a selfie of Infantino and Trump, highlighting the discomfort felt by other dignitaries like Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Mark Carney who distanced themselves from the scene.
Infantino’s previous claims of FIFA’s political neutrality now appear hollow, as his relationship with Trump transitions from uneasy to distasteful. The incident at the draw was seen not as diplomacy but as a form of worship, reflecting ego and power dynamics between the two leaders. The episode tarnished the image of football, veering away from notions of unity and sportsmanship towards self-serving agendas.
In the bright lights of the ceremony, the beauty of the game turned ugly, leaving global football fans to witness the commodification of its soul for a staged spectacle.