Fact Check: Is FIFA planning to remove President Gianni Infantino for giving Trump the peace prize?
WASHINGTON, DC: A social media post has drawn attention to a moment involving FIFA President Gianni Infantino and President Donald Trump.
The post claims Infantino could be removed from his position after giving Trump a “FIFA Peace Prize” on live TV, raising questions about whether he had the authority to do so.
The situation raises two key questions: Could Infantino actually be removed, and is any official review underway? Let’s take a closer look.
How did claims of Gianni Infantino’s possible removal from FIFA spread?
Questions about Gianni Infantino’s position at FIFA surfaced after an incident on Friday, December 5. During the 2026 Men’s World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, President Donald Trump received an award from the FIFA president.
On Sunday, December 7, the Facebook page Football History posted a claim that “FIFA could remove Gianni Infantino as FIFA President for giving Donald Trump a made-up ‘FIFA Peace Prize’ on live TV.”
The post spread quickly across the platform, drawing roughly 15,000 likes and more than 3,600 comments.
Gianni Infantino’s statement and the response it drew
In the official statement announcing the award, Gianni Infantino said, "In an increasingly unsettled and divided world, it's fundamental to recognise the outstanding contribution of those who work hard to end conflicts and bring people together in a spirit of peace."
However, according to the Associated Press, other FIFA officials were surprised by the announcement and reportedly learned about it through the media.
Three anonymous sources told Politico that Infantino bypassed the FIFA Council to create and award the prize to Donald Trump, with vice presidents who were given advance notice saying they were informed only after the decision had been made.
Fact Check: No evidence that FIFA has censured Gianni Infantino
Snopes reports that Gianni Infantino has not received any censure from FIFA for presenting the peace prize. FIFA’s code of ethics includes a section titled Duty of Neutrality, which states that officials must remain politically neutral when dealing with governments and international bodies.
It is true that FIFA introduced the new peace prize in November. The organization announced that the first award would be given on December 5, although the recipient was not named at that time.
Infantino has not been removed from his position, and FIFA has not said whether it plans to take any action.
Until the organization issues an official update, it is not possible to know whether Infantino will face any penalty for potentially violating the neutrality rule.
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