FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended his controversial decision to award a peace prize to United States President Donald Trump, dismissing calls to boycott the upcoming World Cup.Infantino faced widespread criticism after presenting Trump with the honour during the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, DC, in December. The decision drew further scrutiny amid recent US foreign policy moves and renewed debate over Trump’s statements on global security.
Speaking to Sky News on Monday, February 2, Infantino insisted that the award was justified, describing Trump as deserving of FIFA’s inaugural peace prize. “Objectively, he deserves it,” Infantino said. “Whatever we can do to help peace in the world, we should be doing it. For some time, we have been thinking about rewarding people who contribute in this direction.”
He also rejected suggestions that the World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, could be boycotted over the policies of the Trump administration. Infantino noted that political disagreements have never led to commercial boycotts in football and questioned why the sport should be treated differently. “In our divided and aggressive world, we need occasions where people can come together and meet around a shared passion,” he said.
Addressing unrest in some US cities over immigration enforcement, Infantino emphasised that football should serve as a unifying force rather than a political battleground. The FIFA president also discussed the potential return of Russia to international football. Russia has been banned since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, but recent recommendations from the International Olympic Committee encourage allowing Russian teams to compete at youth level. “We have to look at readmitting Russia. Definitely,” Infantino said. “This ban has not achieved anything. It has only created more frustration and hatred. Allowing girls and boys from Russia to play football in other parts of Europe would help.”
Source: https://m.lindaikejisblog.com/
