Donald Trump recently received the FIFA Peace Prize on Dec. 5 at the Kennedy Center. FIFA, the world’s governing body of soccer and an organization that has typically remained politically neutral, announced it would begin issuing an annual prize to an individual who has taken “exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace and by doing so has united the world.” President Donald Trump was the first recipient of the newly established award. The president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, remained tight-lipped regarding the winner of the award until the ceremony; however, it was no surprise to the public when Trump received it because Infantino was a loud and vocal supporter of Trump receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. 

According to FIFA, Trump was selected because he helped end wars and save lives. The reasoning for the award has been contested on many occasions, and doubt has been raised as to the impartiality of the group or person who picked Trump to be the recipient of the award. FIFA has historically been an apolitical organization, and concerns over an overtly political award being attached to them may bring unfortunate consequences and troubles for the world’s leading soccer federation.

Infantino has been a long term Trump supporter and has been spotted with him at many peace summits and has been a long time supporter. Trump and Infantino have worked closely in preparation for the FIFA World Cup that will be in the US, Canada and Mexico. Infantino has had a controversial past, with him being accused of being too political with FIFA. He has repeatedly made political statements out of the ordinary for a FIFA president.