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The introduction of FIFA's new 'Peace Award' has been branded 'shameless', a 'sham' and 'a complete farce' by football fans.
Football's global governing body on Wednesday announced the creation of the prize designed to recognise 'those individuals who unite people, bringing hope for future generations'.
But supporters online were quick to condemn FIFA president Gianni Infantino's latest brainchild and are already convinced the first recipient will be his great friend, US president Donald Trump, who was snubbed for the Nobel Peace prize last month.
In fact, many of them claim the Peace Award is a construction purely for Trump to win and coincidentally the first time it will be given out will be in Washington DC on December 5 at the final World Cup draw.
FIFA announced the creation of the award on their official X account, writing: 'FIFA introduces the FIFA Peace Prize - an award to recognise exceptional actions for peace and unity.
'FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World to be bestowed on an annual basis. First winner to receive the award from FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Friday, 5 December 2025.'
President Donald Trump (right) received a Club World Cup winners' medal from Gianni Infantino (left) back in July this year
Fans had their say about the creation of FIFA's new Peace Award, with many predicting Infantino's great friend Trump will be the first winner
Infantino previously said he thought Trump should win the Nobel Peace Prize
One reply read: 'So FIFA 'invent' an award to give Trump because he sulked about missing out on not being given the Nobel Peace Prize (which he didn't deserve). A total sham...'
Another called the award a 'complete farce', while one simply wrote 'congrats to Trump'.
That user posted his message alongside a Simpsons meme that captured the sentiments of many, reading: 'Springfield Civic Centre: First Annual Montgomery Burns award for outstanding achievement in the field of excellence.'
Earlier this month, Infantino raised eyebrows with his unexpected attendance with Trump at the Gaza peace summit in Egypt.
The FIFA president has increasingly involved himself in the Israel-Hamas conflict, having built up a friendship with the US President and shown consistent support for Israel.
Infantino also called for Trump to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize after the war in Gaza was paused due to the US-brokered ceasefire deal.
The FIFA boss used his opening remarks at the European Football Clubs General Assembly to highlight the importance of the war ending, and talked up the role of Trump, who he has developed a strong bond with ahead of USA being set to co-host next year's World Cup.
'Congratulations to the USA and President Donald J. Trump, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey and all the countries that collaborated to make the ceasefire and agreement on the first phase of the peace process in the Middle East happen,' Infantino said on social media.
US President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino (right) pose for a photo at the Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit in Egypt on October 13
Back in May, angry FIFA members turned their back on president Gianni Infantino as they dramatically walked out during his speech at the organisation's congress, after he turned up late following events he attended alongside Trump.
Infantino had joined Trump on the US president's trip to Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which he prioritised over the annual gathering of FIFA's membership in Paraguay.
The Swiss, 55, took a private jet from Qatar to Asuncion but arrived at the meeting several hours late, sparking a furious reaction from delegates.
UEFA were also unhappy, blasting the late change to the congress schedule for 'what appears to be simply to accommodate private political interests'.
The bond between Infantino and Trump tightened further in the summer during the inaugural Club World Cup in the US.
Chelsea's celebrations after winning the final were somewhat gate-crashed by the US President, who made a surprise appearance for the big moment.
Trump was seen being handed a medal by Infantino, with pictures showing him holding onto the award during the ceremony.
Trump had baffled Chelsea players at the Club World Cup by staying with them while they lifted the trophy, which he says he was given for the Oval Office while they took a replica home
He also claimed he was taking the real Club World Cup trophy back with him, while Chelsea were given a replica.
'[Fifa] is doing fantastically well for [football in America], it’s a growing sport, it is a great sport,' President Trump gushed on Dazn at the time.
'They said: "Could you hold this trophy for a little while?". We put it in the Oval Office and then I said: "When are you going to pick up the trophy", and [Infantino] said: "We’re never going to pick it up, you can have it forever in the Oval Office".
'And they actually made a new one [for Chelsea] but right now [the original] is in the Oval.'
Perhaps next month in Washington DC, the FIFA chief will be handing over a different prize to the US president when the Peace Award is presented for the first time.
