Human Rights Watch condemns FIFA's Peace Prize

Human Rights Watch has voiced strong criticism over FIFA's recently introduced Peace Prize. At a press briefing on Wednesday, the organizations director, Minky Worden, highlighted that the award lacks transparency, with no formal nomination process or jury in place. She also noted that the FIFA Council itself was unaware of the prize until recently.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has promoted the award, which is set to be given for the first time on Friday during the 2026 World Cup group stage draw in Washington. Speculation has arisen that former US President Donald Trump might be a recipient. According to FIFA, the accolade is intended to honor "individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace and by doing so have united people across the world."

At the same briefing, a representative from Reporters Without Borders raised concerns about potential restrictions on journalists entering the United States during the World Cup in June and July. They warned that media personnel could face unpredictable searches or even denial of entry due to minor social media activity that might be deemed objectionable by the US administration.

Worden emphasized that human rights and immigration conditions in the United States have changed dramatically since Trump assumed office in January. She remarked, "It seems that the world is not welcome." Based on government data analyzed by Human Rights Watch, she reported that at least 92,392 individuals were arrested in and around US cities hosting World Cup matches between January 20 and October 15 of this year.

Author: Ethan Caldwell