FIFA has launched a review of its Peace Prize after the decision to honour United States President Donald Trump triggered criticism and raised questions about transparency and political neutrality within world football’s governing body.
The review will examine how the award was created, how Trump was selected as its first recipient and whether changes are needed to prevent similar controversies in the future.
The decision followed a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, on Thursday, where members raised concerns about the award and other recent decisions by the organisation.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that the Football Social Responsibility Committee would examine the prize and submit recommendations ahead of the next council meeting scheduled for December 16 in Doha, Qatar.
Some council members reportedly called for the award to be scrapped, while others argued that it should be redesigned to remove political influence and restore confidence in the selection process.
One proposal under discussion is to limit future recipients to individuals within football who have made significant contributions to peace, social harmony and responsibility, excluding serving political leaders.
FIFA introduced the Peace Prize in November 2025, stating that it would recognise individuals who had taken exceptional action to promote peace and unite people across the world.
Trump received the inaugural award from Infantino during the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Washington, DC, on December 5, 2025. The United States is co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico.
However, the selection process attracted criticism, particularly over the lack of public information about how the decision was reached and whether FIFA’s governing council had been adequately consulted.
The controversy has also raised questions about FIFA’s own rules on political neutrality, which prohibit political or governmental interference in football.
Several European football officials have called for greater transparency and accountability within the organisation, arguing that recent decisions must be properly explained before FIFA can address concerns about its governance.
The review of the Peace Prize comes amid wider scrutiny of Infantino’s leadership, including disagreements over a proposed commercial venture and FIFA’s handling of disciplinary matters involving players ahead of the World Cup.
FIFA has not announced a final decision on whether the award will continue in its current form. The committee is expected to present its recommendations before the council considers the matter again in December.
The outcome could determine whether FIFA retains the Peace Prize, changes its selection rules or ends the award altogether.