Explained: Why Has FIFA Introduced New Global Peace Prize?

Explained: Why Has FIFA Introduced New Global Peace Prize?

A new global peace prize has emerged, and it has been established by FIFA, not the Nobel committee. This week, the world football organisation announced it would annually present an award to honour “individuals who have undertaken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace."

Few details about the prize were provided, and there was no indication that potential recipients would be restricted to the realm of sports. This has led to widespread speculation that it might be awarded to President Donald Trump, who has openly – but so far unsuccessfully – pursued a Nobel Peace Prize.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Trump have forged a strong alliance as next year's World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, approaches. The two crossed paths on Wednesday – the day FIFA announced its new prize – in Miami, where they both delivered speeches at a business leaders' conference.

Here's what is known – and unknown – about the prize:

Infantino has previously expressed his view of Trump as a champion of world peace.

On 9th October, the day before this year's Nobel Peace Prize was announced, he posted on Instagram that Trump “definitely deserves" the award for his efforts towards a peace deal in Gaza.

The following day, the Nobel laureate was not Trump but María Corina Machado, a pro-democracy activist from Venezuela.

When asked in Miami on Wednesday whether Trump would win the FIFA prize, Infantino laughed and said: “On the 5th of December, you will see."

The award will be announced on 5th December in Washington during the World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center, the arts venue that Trump has influenced this year.

The date and venue for this major football event, significant for players and fans globally, were disclosed in the Oval Office in August.

The draw ceremony will assign qualifying nations to the 12 four-team groups, setting the stage for the opening phase of the 104-match tournament to be held in 16 cities next June and July. It is at this point that the World Cup, held every four years, becomes tangible, with imagined future opponents becoming real, and travel plans starting to take shape.

The peace award represents a departure from the tradition for the draw, which usually focuses solely on football.

FIFA has not provided details about the selection process for the winner. The organisation did not respond to emailed questions from The Associated Press on Thursday regarding who will select the winner and the criteria to be used.

Infantino wrote on his Instagram account that “it's fundamental to recognise the outstanding contribution of those who work hard to end conflicts and bring people together in a spirit of peace."

FIFA previously stated the award should honour “individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace and in doing so have united people across the world."

While FIFA often promotes football as a tool for peace and unity, it has never had an official peace prize before.

If Trump wins the FIFA award, it is likely to reinforce the perception that it was created in response to the U.S. president not winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

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Few FIFA officials were willing to discuss the planning surrounding the prize on Thursday.

With AP Inputs

Source: News18
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