Overview
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino presented the inaugural award to President Donald Trump during World Cup events and handed him a large medallion, calling it a “beautiful medal” he could wear anywhere.
- The prize was newly created with no published criteria, and commentary reports say the FIFA Council was not consulted or told who else, if anyone, was considered.
- Writers described the honor as a made-up participation trophy and detailed a gold‑plated globe, a certificate and the oversized medallion given to Trump.
- Opinion pieces linked the decision to FIFA’s commercial and logistical interests tied to the 2026 World Cup, which will be staged partly in the United States.
- Critics warned the move could damage FIFA’s credibility and raised concerns about travel and safety for players and fans expected to attend the tournament in the U.S.