FIFA's Peace Prize to Trump: A Case Study in Sportswashing
By
Patrick Redford
Crackling crust, pillowy middle. The kind of bagel that earns a second cup of coffee.
Summary
The article critically examines the concept of "sportswashing" through the lens of FIFA President Gianni Infantino awarding Donald Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December 2025. The author dismisses the award as a cynical bribe rather than a genuine recognition of peace efforts, and focuses on the physical trophy itself—a miniature replica of a bronze sculpture at the UN called "Thoughts and Desires." The piece uses this event to explore broader themes of how sports organizations like FIFA use awards and ceremonies to whitewash reputations and engage in political theater.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledOn Dec. 5, 2025, FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented Donald Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, nominally for Trump's 'tireless efforts to bring people together in a spirit of peace.'
I found myself less interested in the cynicism of placating Trump with the sort of bribe one would bestow upon a recalcitrant 10-year-old—nobody considers FIFA the imprimatur of global peace—and more interested in the physical award itself.
The FIFA statue is a miniature of a hulking bronze sculpture on display at the UN entitled 'Thoughts and Desires.' It offers a hackneyed and vacuous statement of c
You might also wanna read
Infantino prioriza aproximação com Trump e aluga escritório na Trump Tower para a Fifa
Gianni Infantino, presidente da Fifa, tem priorizado a aproximação com Donald Trump, incluindo o aluguel de um escritório praticamente vazio
www1.folha.uol.com.br·5h ago
Behind the Games (1/5): Gianni Infantino's Rise to the Top of FIFA Amid Qatar World Cup Corruption Scandal
This article is the first part of a series titled "Behind the Games" investigating the corruption surrounding the awarding of the 2022 FIFA
share.deutschlandradio.de·2d ago
World Cup 2026: Controversies and challenges facing FIFA's expanded tournament
The article examines the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup across the US, Mexico, and Canada, highlighting the controversies and challenges surro
bbc.co.uk·13h ago
Gianni Infantino's power consolidation through an expanded World Cup
This article examines FIFA President Gianni Infantino's leadership and political maneuvering, portraying him as a power-consolidating figure
tijd.be·5d agoFifa Criticized for Lack of Anti-Racism Messaging at Club World Cup
Fifa faces criticism for dropping anti-racism messaging at the Club World Cup, potentially linked to US President Donald Trump's policies. T
bbc.com·11mo agoChelsea Win Club World Cup with Donald Trump Present for Trophy Lift
Chelsea's Club World Cup celebrations included an unexpected guest, US President Donald Trump, who stayed on stage during the trophy lift de
bbc.com·11mo ago