The Guardian view on Fifa’s new ‘peace prize’: Gianni Infantino should concentrate on the day job | Editorial
In a recent turn of events, Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, has stirred controversy with his public endorsement of Donald Trump during a peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. Infantino, who was personally invited by the former U.S. president, praised Trump’s efforts in fostering peace in the Middle East, stating, “Now we can really write some new pages. Pages of togetherness, of peace, in a region which really, really needs it.” This unexpected alliance has raised eyebrows, especially considering the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the complexities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Critics argue that Infantino’s focus on political networking distracts from pressing issues within FIFA, particularly the criticisms regarding World Cup ticketing processes that have left many fans frustrated.
Adding to the intrigue, FIFA recently announced the establishment of an annual peace prize, with plans to present the inaugural award in Washington next month. This move seems to further align Infantino with Trump, whom he has referred to as a “winner” and a “close friend.” The decision to launch a peace prize under the auspices of an organization often mired in controversy raises questions about the sincerity of FIFA’s commitment to social issues. Observers worry that Infantino’s actions may prioritize geopolitical maneuvering over addressing the legitimate concerns of football fans, especially regarding the accessibility and fairness of World Cup tickets. With FIFA facing ongoing scrutiny over its governance, the organization would do well to shift its focus back to the sport and its community rather than engaging in political posturing that could alienate its global fanbase.
As the world of football grapples with these developments, it becomes increasingly clear that Infantino’s leadership style may need recalibration. Instead of leveraging FIFA’s platform for political alliances, a more pressing need exists to address the operational criticisms that affect millions of fans worldwide. By prioritizing transparency and fairness in ticketing and engaging with the football community, Infantino could foster a more positive legacy, one that genuinely reflects the values of unity and inclusivity that the sport espouses. The upcoming peace prize may serve as a reminder of the potential for football to bridge divides, but it should not overshadow the fundamental responsibilities FIFA has to its supporters.
The president of world football’s governing body should abandon geopolitical networking and address criticisms over World Cup ticketing
To general bemusement, Gianni Infantino, the president of world football’s governing body, Fifa, was
pictured
congratulating Donald Trump last month at the Gaza peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, having been personally invited by the US president. Mr Infantino did not hold back in lauding the president’s peace-making prowess,
commenting
: “Now we can really write some new pages. Pages of togetherness, of peace, in a region which really, really needs it.”
News that Fifa is to launch its own annual peace prize, with the inaugural award to take place in Washington next month, would therefore seem to point to only one outcome. To use a metaphor from another sport, it surely looks like a slam dunk for the man Fifa’s president
describes
as a “winner” and “close friend”. As Mr Infantino
told
an American business forum on the day he announced the prize: “We should all support what [Mr Trump is] doing because I think it’s looking good.”
Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our
letters
section, please
click here
.
Continue reading…
