Infantino told by top Fifa figures to scrap or depoliticise peace prize after Trump furore

Awarding the FIFA peace prize to a sitting U.S. president has sparked sharp criticism, prompting FIFA’s leadership to reconsider the controversial tradition. Following a council meeting, members reportedly demanded either the abolition of the prize or significant reforms to remove its political associations. FIFA’s football social responsibility committee will now assess the issue before the next council gathering in December. The move reflects growing unease over the award’s perceived lack of neutrality and relevance.

Backlash greeted award of prize to US presidentFifa committee to make recommendations this yearDonald Trump is likely to end up as the only political leader awarded the Fifa peace prize after Gianni Infantino was told at Thursday’s meeting of the Fifa council to make major changes or scrap the controversial award.The Guardian has learned that several council members demanded the award be abolished and others called for the prize to be depoliticised, with Fifa’s football social responsibility committee to make a recommendation before the next council meeting in Doha on 16 December. Continue reading...