Australian footballer Irvine criticizes FIFA peace prize as mockery of human rights policymockery of human rights policy
Australia midfielder Jackson Irvine accused FIFA of undermining soccer's credibility by awarding its inaugural Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump in December 2025, saying the decision contradicts the organization's stated Human Rights Policy. Irvine's criticism joins broader concerns from human rights groups that FIFA's award to Trump—made without transparent selection criteria—represents sportswashing and conflicts with FIFA's commitment to political neutrality and non-discrimination.
Player and Human Rights Advocates
Soccer players and human rights organizations argue that FIFA's Peace Prize to Trump damages the sport's moral authority and contradicts the organization's own rules. They contend that the award lacks transparent selection processes and occurs amid concerns about US immigration enforcement and other policies, making it appear designed to legitimize rather than recognize genuine peace efforts.
FIFA Leadership
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the award, stating that Trump "definitely deserves" recognition for peace efforts. Infantino framed the Peace Prize as recognizing "exceptional actions for peace and unity," positioning it as a legitimate initiative separate from FIFA's governance of soccer competition.
- FC St. Pauli, Irvine's club, originated as a rowing club in 1910 before embracing football.
- The Bundesliga, where Irvine plays, was founded in 1963 as Germany's top professional soccer league.
- Norway's Lise Klaveness, a former player, leads its soccer federation and advocates for FIFA ethics reforms.
