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The Guardian view on Fifa’s new ‘peace prize’: Gianni Infantino should concentrate on the day job | Editorial

In a surprising turn of events, Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, has found himself in the spotlight not only for his role in world football but also for his controversial political engagements. Recently, Infantino was photographed congratulating former President Donald Trump at a Gaza peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, where he praised Trump’s efforts in fostering peace in the Middle East. Infantino’s comments, which included remarks about writing “new pages of togetherness and peace” in a region long plagued by conflict, have sparked widespread criticism. Many observers are questioning the appropriateness of a football leader engaging in such high-stakes geopolitical networking, especially given FIFA’s ongoing struggles with transparency and accountability.

Adding fuel to the fire, FIFA announced the launch of an annual peace prize, with the inaugural ceremony set to take place in Washington next month. This initiative, which Infantino seems to be tying to Trump’s political narrative, raises eyebrows regarding the motivations behind it. The implications of Infantino’s close association with Trump, whom he has referred to as a “winner” and a “close friend,” suggest a potential blending of sports and politics that could undermine FIFA’s credibility. Critics argue that instead of focusing on political alliances, Infantino should address pressing issues within FIFA, particularly the ongoing criticisms surrounding World Cup ticketing practices. Fans and stakeholders have expressed frustration over ticketing transparency and accessibility, which have been contentious topics during recent tournaments.

In light of these developments, it becomes increasingly clear that Infantino’s priorities may be misaligned with the core values of football. The global football community is calling for a leader who prioritizes the integrity of the sport over geopolitical maneuvering. As FIFA prepares to award its peace prize, many hope that Infantino will pivot his focus from political endorsements to addressing the legitimate concerns of football fans, ensuring that the beautiful game remains a unifying force rather than a political tool. The juxtaposition of Infantino’s political engagements with FIFA’s operational challenges highlights the need for a reevaluation of leadership priorities within the organization.