FIFA's 'Peace Prize' to Trump: A Kick-Off for Absurdity
The news that FIFA President Gianni Infantino bestowed a 'peace prize' (previously unknown, mind you) onto Donald Trump has Al Jazeera asking about FIFA's 'neutrality.' This isn't about neutrality; it's about business. FIFA, like many institutions, is a master of rebranding. Remember when they declared Qatar a 'neutral' choice for the World Cup, despite its abysmal human rights record and alleged
bribery? (Transparency International, 2014, cited 'credible allegations'.) Trump’s 'Abraham Accords' are framed as peace, but strategically ignored the ongoing occupation and expansion of settlements (UN Resolution 2334, 2016, condemns settlements). Apparently, when the right countries sign deals, conflict disappears for the sake of a photo op and a potential new market. One might wonder if
'peace' now refers to the kind that opens up lucrative broadcasting deals and commercial sponsorships, rather than, say, actual human flourishing. How many 'peace prizes' would FIFA give to leaders who genuinely challenge human rights abuses instead of enabling them? Don't ask, that would involve actual neutrality.