MIAMI (AP) — FIFA has announced the creation of a peace prize that it plans to present for the first time at the Dec. 5 World Cup draw in Washington.
The award, known as the FIFA Peace Prize, “recognizes exceptional actions for peace,” the football association said on Wednesday. But FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has a close relationship with President Donald TrumpWhen asked Wednesday whether Trump will be the first recipient of the award, he didn’t want to lend a hand.
“You’ll see on December 5,” Infantino said. He spoke at the America Business Forum in Miami, shortly after Trump spoke at the same event.
Infantino said earlier on Wednesday: “In an increasingly troubled and divided world, it is vital to recognize the outstanding contribution of those who work hard to end conflict and bring people together in the spirit of peace.” FIFA said the award Infantino will present this year will be presented annually “on behalf of fans from around the world.”
Trump was passed over the Nobel Peace Prize Last month, despite lobbying from other Republicans, various world leaders and himself. And Infantino made no secret of the ties between himself, FIFA and Trump in his comments on Wednesday.
“I’m really lucky. I have a great relationship with President Trump, who I consider a really close friend,” Infantino said. “Of course he’s helped us a lot in everything we’re doing for the World Cup. … He has such incredible energy and that’s something I really admire. He does things. He does what he says. He says what he thinks. He actually says what a lot of people think but maybe don’t dare say. And that’s why he’s so successful.”
FIFA recently made another connection with Trump by appointing his daughter Ivanka to the board of a $100 million education project it is co-financing Ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup.
The World Cup draw and peace prize ceremony are expected to attract about a billion viewers worldwide, Infantino said.
