The Guardian’s Perspective on FIFA’s New ‘Peace Prize’: Gianni Infantino Should Focus on His Primary Responsibilities | Editorial
FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s Controversial Political Connections Raise Questions
Last month, Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, made headlines for congratulating Donald Trump at the Gaza peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. This meeting, initiated by the U.S. president, had Infantino praising Trump’s efforts in diplomacy, stating, “Now we can really write some new pages. Pages of togetherness, of peace, in a region which really, really needs it.”
A New Peace Prize Presentation
FIFA’s announcement to establish an annual peace prize, with the first award ceremony scheduled for next month in Washington, further solidifies this alliance. Many observers view this as a straightforward endorsement of Trump, who Infantino has referred to as a “winner” and “close friend.” At an American business forum where Infantino discussed the new prize, he encouraged support for Trump’s initiatives, declaring, “I think it’s looking good.”
Criticism of FIFA’s Focus
However, critics argue that Infantino’s focus on political networking distracts from pressing issues within FIFA. Leander Schaerlaeckens, a sports academic and columnist, has accused FIFA of prioritizing profit over the integrity of the sport. The organization’s ticketing policies for this summer’s Men’s World Cup, hosted in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, reflect this troubling trend.
Ticketing Controversies and Financial Gain
FIFA has claimed that this World Cup will be the “biggest, best, and most inclusive ever,” which is only partially true. While the number of teams has been increased from 32 to 48 to maximize revenue, actual access for fans is diminishing. The introduction of dynamic pricing means that attending a match could cost families thousands of dollars, with once-affordable tickets now being listed for exorbitant prices due to a lack of resale limits.
Aligning with Controversial States
Under Infantino’s leadership, FIFA has allied itself with many wealthy nations known for “sportswashing,” such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which is set to host the 2034 World Cup. This strategy to secure lucrative partnerships has resulted in an overcrowded football calendar, exemplified by the recently expanded Club World Cup.
Civic Engagement and Local Voices
In response to ongoing discontent, New York’s Mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, introduced a “Game Over Greed” petition, decrying FIFA’s ticketing practices as detrimental to the sport. He criticized the lack of provisions for local residents to access tickets, a significant departure from previous World Cups where community engagement was encouraged. Unfortunately, like many politicians, Infantino seems to respond only when financial stakeholders voice their concerns.
