Chef José Andrés criticizes Trump for receiving FIFA Peace Prize, calling it divisive and a betrayal of the spirit of the game.

World Central Kitchen founder, Chef Jos Andrs, voiced strong criticism over FIFAs decision to award President Donald Trump with a newly established peace prize. The award, dubbed the 2025 FIFA Peace Prize, was presented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Washington, D.C., during the draw for the 2026 World Cup teams, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Andrs, whose non-profit organization provides meals to people affected by crises worldwide, highlighted the contradiction in FIFAs decision. In 2024, while delivering aid in Palestine, WCK staff faced deadly Israeli airstrikes that claimed the lives of several aid workers.

On social media, Andrs wrote, Football unites the worldthats the spirit of the World Cup. How can FIFA honor someone who spreads division, targets minorities, and instills fear in communities? That is the opposite of what football represents. He further criticized Trumps actions, including his controversial policies toward Latinos and international incidents, saying, This award undermines the integrity of the sport and betrays the fans who support it.

Trump had openly expressed his interest in the Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Mara Corina Machado Parisca. Observers, including political commentators, dismissed the FIFA prize as a symbolic gesture from an organization already criticized for corruption.

Some commentators described the award as absurd in light of recent political controversies involving Trump, emphasizing the contrast between the ideals of global unity promoted by football and the divisive nature of his policies. Andrs remarks reflect a broader sentiment that the honor conflicts with the values traditionally celebrated in the sport.

Author: Ethan Caldwell