Fifa has no plans to drop its new Peace Award, handed out for the first time to US President Donald Trump last month, despite backlash surrounding the award since it was handed out in December, according to reports.
The football governing body appears to remain committed to its newly established award.
The inaugural honour was presented to US President Donald Trump last month, a decision that drew scrutiny following subsequent American military action.
Weeks after the award ceremony, the United States carried out the abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, prompting speculation about whether football's global governing body might reconsider the initiative.
Sources within Fifa told The Daily Mail that concerns have not prompted any change in direction at the organisation's headquarters.
The award programme will reportedly continue as originally planned.
A second recipient of the Peace Award will be announced before the end of 2026, the publication has also revealed.
This confirmation signals that Fifa's leadership has not been deterred by questions surrounding the timing of geopolitical developments involving the first honouree.
Fifa has no plans to drop its new Peace Award, handed out for the first time to US President DonaldTrump last month
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The award was designed to recognise individuals who have made "exceptional contributions to peace and unity".
While appointing the prize, Gianni Infantino praised President Trump’s role in the Middle East peace negotiations, while the US is also working to bring an end to the conflict sparked by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
In a speech that lasted exactly two minutes, the President described the award as "[one of] the great honours of my life".
President Trump also praised the cooperation between the US, Mexico and Canada and the enthusiasm of the organisers.
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The US President was awarded the new prize in the World Cup draw ceremony
| REUTERSThe award came moments before the 2026 World Cup draw.
Speaking to the audience, Infantino said: "Like everyone here in the room, we see images of war all over the world.
"And like everyone, we suffer for every child that dies, we cry with every mother who loses someone she loves, and we want to see hope and unity, we want to see a future.
"I was lucky, Mr. President, to witness the Abraham Accords signatures, the peace in the Middle East agreement regarding Gaza, yesterday here in Washington, the Washington peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC.
The President was awarded the new prize from football’s global governing body | PAHe said: "This is what we want from a leader, a leader who cares about the people. We want to live in a safe world, a safe environment. We want to unite. You definitely deserve the Fifa Peace Prize for your actions. You can always count on my support and the whole football community."
Upon accepting the award, President Trump said: "This is truly one of the great honours of my life. Beyond awards, we have saved millions and millions of lives.
"The Congo is an example. India, Pakistan, so many different wars we are able to end, in some cases, a little bit before they started.It's such an honour to be with Gianni.
"I have known Gianni for so long; he has done such an incredible job. He has set a new record on ticket sales. It's an awfully nice tribute to you and the game of football, or as we call it soccer. The numbers are beyond what even Gianni thought was possible."
Gianni Infantino praised President Trump’s role in the Middle East peace negotiations | GETTYThe President added: "I want to thank my family, my great First Lady, Melania.
"I think you are going to have an event to maybe the likes of which the world has ever seen. The enthusiasm, I have never seen anything like it.
"We have had a tremendous working relationship with Canada; we have our Prime Minister of Canada and the President of Mexico, and we have worked closely with those two countries. The coordination, friendship, and relationship have been outstanding.
"I want to thank you all very much. I want to thank everybody. The world is a safer place now. A year ago, the United States was not doing well, but now we are the hottest country in the world, and we are going to keep it that way."