World football governing body FIFA has ordered a formal review of its controversial Peace Prize awarded to United States President Donald Trump in December 2025, following questions over the award’s creation, selection process, and political implications.
The decision was reached during a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
The review will be conducted by FIFA’s Football Social Responsibility Committee, which has been directed to examine the circumstances surrounding the establishment of the prize and recommend whether it should continue, undergo reforms or be discontinued. FIFA confirmed that a decision would be taken at its next Council meeting in December.
The FIFA Peace Prize was introduced in November 2025 under the leadership of FIFA President Gianni Infantino and presented for the first time to Trump on December 5 during the official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Washington, DC. Infantino credited Trump with efforts to resolve international conflicts and promote peace, while the American president described the recognition as one of the greatest honours of his life.
The decision attracted criticism from football administrators and human rights organisations, which questioned whether FIFA had breached its commitment to political neutrality by presenting an international peace award to a serving political leader. British-based human rights organisation FairSquare subsequently requested an investigation into Infantino’s conduct, alleging violations of the governing body’s neutrality requirements.
FIFA Vice President Debbie Hewitt confirmed that the review would examine how the prize was introduced, who authorised its creation and whether the selection process followed appropriate procedures. Hewitt, who also serves as chair of the English Football Association, said the committee would consider whether the award should be abolished or reformed.
Several FIFA Council members have reportedly expressed concerns over the award’s political implications, with some advocating its cancellation and others proposing restrictions that would prevent political officeholders from receiving it. The committee is expected to consider these proposals before presenting its recommendations to the Council.
The review forms part of a broader examination of governance decisions taken during Infantino’s presidency. FIFA has also ordered a review of its disciplinary procedures following the suspension of a one-match ban imposed on United States international Folarin Balogun, while Infantino has apologised for mistakes surrounding the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, which sought to restructure aspects of the organisation’s commercial operations.
The FIFA Council is scheduled to meet in Doha, Qatar, on December 16, when the findings and recommendations concerning the Peace Prize are expected to be considered. No decision has been announced to withdraw Trump’s award, and FIFA has not determined whether the prize will continue beyond its inaugural presentation.
