NEW: Trump presented with first-ever FIFA Peace Prize at World Cup draw

FIFA president Gianni Infantino presented the award, called the “FIFA Peace Prize: Football Unites the World,” at the Kennedy Center. Infantino told Trump, “You can always count, Mr President, on my support and the entire football community … to help you make peace … all over the world.”

The prize was announced in early November, shortly after Trump was not selected for the Nobel Peace Prize, which this year went to Venezuelan democracy advocate Maria Corina Machado. Infantino had publicly suggested on Instagram that Trump deserved the Nobel following the Israel-Gaza ceasefire agreement.

FIFA gave no details on how the new prize was created, who else was considered, or what criteria were used. Several senior officials inside the organization said the matter was not brought before the FIFA Council, which typically reviews major initiatives.

Infantino said the purpose of the prize is to recognize “individuals who unite people” and “bring hope for future generations.”

The FIFA president has increased his public support for Trump in recent months as preparations for the 2026 World Cup continue in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Trump has also spoken positively of Infantino, calling him “a great leader in sports and a great gentleman.”

Human Rights Watch sent a letter to FIFA requesting clarification about the award. The group asked what formal criteria would be used to evaluate nominees and who would serve as judges or decision-makers for future selections, reports the Independent.