Infantino's appeasement of Trump is a thorn in the side of the MEPs

The controversy surrounding FIFA's decision to award its first-ever Peace Prize to former U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked significant debate among European lawmakers and international observers. The incident occurred on December 5, 2025, during the draw ceremony for the World Cup groups in Washington, D.C., where FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, presented the honor to Trump. This decision was made shortly before the World Cup, which is being held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and has raised questions about FIFA’s adherence to its principles of political neutrality and transparency.

Approximately fifty European parliamentarians have written to FIFA’s leadership, including its general secretary and ethics committee, demanding a swift and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the award. The letter, reportedly led by Irish MP Barry Andrews, Dutch MP Lara Wolters, and Danish MP Niels Fuglsang, calls for clarification regarding Infantino’s role in the decision-making process, the funding behind the project, and the procedures used to approve the award. The lawmakers expressed concern that such lack of transparency could damage FIFA’s reputation, especially as the World Cup continues to unfold in North America.

Infantino justified the decision by citing Trump’s efforts toward peace, though this rationale has been met with skepticism. Reports indicate that fewer than ten FIFA employees were directly involved in preparing the award, while the broader leadership and council of FIFA were allegedly unaware of the initiative prior to its announcement. This raises concerns about how such decisions are made within the organization and whether proper oversight mechanisms were followed.

The controversy also builds upon earlier criticisms of Infantino. Last year, the British non-governmental organization FairSquare reported Infantino to FIFA’s ethics committee over alleged violations of political neutrality. Similar concerns were voiced by the Norwegian Football Association, adding weight to the current scrutiny of Infantino’s actions. These developments highlight ongoing tensions between FIFA’s stated commitment to neutrality and its interactions with high-profile political figures.

European lawmakers emphasized that the lack of transparency in the decision-making process could undermine FIFA’s credibility, particularly given the global attention on the World Cup. They pointed out that the timing of the award—just days before the group stage draw—may have influenced public perception and drawn unnecessary focus away from the sporting event itself. Additionally, the decision to involve Trump in the final presentation of the trophy further complicates the narrative, as it suggests a close relationship between Infantino and the former U.S. president.

FIFA has yet to provide a detailed response to the parliamentary inquiry. However, Infantino confirmed recently that Trump will participate in the ceremony where the World Cup trophy will be awarded to the champion. This involvement has intensified discussions about the nature of the relationship between the two men, particularly since Infantino has visited Trump more frequently than any other European head of state in recent years. Critics argue that such proximity may compromise FIFA’s ability to remain impartial in matters involving politics and international relations.

As the World Cup progresses, the pressure on FIFA to address these concerns is likely to increase. With the tournament drawing millions of viewers worldwide, the organization faces a challenge in maintaining its image as a neutral governing body while navigating complex political dynamics. The outcome of the internal review requested by European lawmakers will be crucial in determining whether FIFA can restore confidence in its governance practices and ensure that similar controversies do not arise in the future.