Fifa's new Peace Prize: A Crony's Role Raises Questions Over Neutrality
A recent announcement from Fifa president Gianni Infantino about launching its own peace prize has sparked concerns over the governing body's neutrality and impartiality. The inaugural award-winner is set to be announced on December 5, with many wondering who could possibly be in the running.
Infantino had already faced criticism for his involvement in a Gaza peace summit alongside US President Donald Trump, an appearance that raised questions over Fifa's neutrality rules. Infantino defended the move, stating he believed it was "looking pretty good" and urged support from everyone involved.
However, the lack of information about the selection process has led to disquiet among those who fear this could be a sop to Trump. The situation may have deepened with revelations that Fifa's new peace prize is seen internally as a version of the president's award at Uefa, suggesting Infantino's say will be decisive.
The chair of the committee tasked with devising the process for selecting winners has been identified as Zaw Zaw, 59-year-old president of Myanmar football federation and owner of Delta United. This background raises questions over his ability to speak truth to power, given that he was described by the US state department in 2009 as one of "cronies" of Myanmar's brutal ruling military junta.
US diplomatic cables from 2009 revealed Zaw Zaw had interests in gems, cement and bottling plants. He also hired senior general Than Shwe's grandson to play on Delta United team. These findings suggest Infantino may be cosy up to certain leaders with power and money, such as Trump and Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman.
Infantino's closeness to these leaders is driven by Fifa's need for revenue. The governing body makes money only in men's World Cup years, so it squeezes as much cash out of its host countries as possible. By sticking close to powerful leaders, Fifa takes broadcasting and sponsorship deals, passing costs on to them.
Stephen Cockburn, Amnesty International's head of labour rights and sport, noted that while there is lip service over human rights considerations, finance and power appear to remain priorities for Fifa. Nick McGeehan, co-director of FairSquare, echoed this sentiment, stating Infantino "clearly likes [Trump and Prince Mohammed], and they probably recognise him as a man with a big ego".
McGeehan expressed concern that Infantino's actions represent a clear violation of the Fifa code of ethics' duty of neutrality. He warned that efforts to promote transparency and accountability may be mere rhetoric, rather than actual change.
Fifa has defended its peace prize initiative, describing it as an effort to make the future a brighter place. However, these claims must be scrutinised given the governing body's history of corruption scandals and Infantino's close ties with influential leaders.
A recent announcement from Fifa president Gianni Infantino about launching its own peace prize has sparked concerns over the governing body's neutrality and impartiality. The inaugural award-winner is set to be announced on December 5, with many wondering who could possibly be in the running.
Infantino had already faced criticism for his involvement in a Gaza peace summit alongside US President Donald Trump, an appearance that raised questions over Fifa's neutrality rules. Infantino defended the move, stating he believed it was "looking pretty good" and urged support from everyone involved.
However, the lack of information about the selection process has led to disquiet among those who fear this could be a sop to Trump. The situation may have deepened with revelations that Fifa's new peace prize is seen internally as a version of the president's award at Uefa, suggesting Infantino's say will be decisive.
The chair of the committee tasked with devising the process for selecting winners has been identified as Zaw Zaw, 59-year-old president of Myanmar football federation and owner of Delta United. This background raises questions over his ability to speak truth to power, given that he was described by the US state department in 2009 as one of "cronies" of Myanmar's brutal ruling military junta.
US diplomatic cables from 2009 revealed Zaw Zaw had interests in gems, cement and bottling plants. He also hired senior general Than Shwe's grandson to play on Delta United team. These findings suggest Infantino may be cosy up to certain leaders with power and money, such as Trump and Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman.
Infantino's closeness to these leaders is driven by Fifa's need for revenue. The governing body makes money only in men's World Cup years, so it squeezes as much cash out of its host countries as possible. By sticking close to powerful leaders, Fifa takes broadcasting and sponsorship deals, passing costs on to them.
Stephen Cockburn, Amnesty International's head of labour rights and sport, noted that while there is lip service over human rights considerations, finance and power appear to remain priorities for Fifa. Nick McGeehan, co-director of FairSquare, echoed this sentiment, stating Infantino "clearly likes [Trump and Prince Mohammed], and they probably recognise him as a man with a big ego".
McGeehan expressed concern that Infantino's actions represent a clear violation of the Fifa code of ethics' duty of neutrality. He warned that efforts to promote transparency and accountability may be mere rhetoric, rather than actual change.
Fifa has defended its peace prize initiative, describing it as an effort to make the future a brighter place. However, these claims must be scrutinised given the governing body's history of corruption scandals and Infantino's close ties with influential leaders.
. So Fifa wants to give out a peace prize but only if it goes to people they're BFFs with 
? Like, I get that Infantino wants to make some cash but this whole thing reeks of nepotism 
. And what's with the lack of transparency? It's like Fifa is trying to pull a fast one on us 
. We all know they're in it for the money and power 
, so if this prize is just gonna be a way to curry favor with Trump and MBS, then yeah, that's a major red flag 
. And don't even get me started on Zaw Zaw being chosen for the committee – like, really? 
That guy sounds like a classic case of cronyism 
. I'm calling BS on this whole thing 
.
The whole thing reeks of cronyism 
.
. "Looking pretty good" is not exactly a reassuring phrase when you're talking about peace and human rights. It sounds like he's more interested in making money off these powerful people than actually promoting peace and justice 
. Is this really what they want to be remembered for? A bunch of self-serving bureaucrats who use their platform to line their own pockets? 
.
The lack of transparency in this whole process is giving me major red flags 
. And let's be real, Fifa needs those broadcasting and sponsorship deals to stay afloat 
.
. Who do they think is going to take down Trump or Saudi Arabia? Not Fifa, that's for sure 
and it's crazy he's the one heading up the committee. It just smells like a favor swap 
. They're not exactly known for transparency anyway 
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