Fifty MEPs from the European Parliament called on the FIFA Ethics Committee to investigate the "Peace Prize" awarded by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to US President Donald Trump.
The MEPs, who backed a December application by human rights group FairSquare, asked FIFA in a letter sent Monday to conduct an investigation "as quickly and seriously as possible."
FairSquare stressed that this letter marks the most significant political intervention against world football governance since the European Parliament called for the resignation of then-FIFA President Sepp Blatter in 2015.
The signatories from 13 European countries, led by Irish MEP Barry Andrews, Dutch MEP Lara Wolters and Danish MEP Niels Fuglsang, are mostly from social democratic, liberal and green groups. The letter stated, "With the world's eyes on FIFA this summer, this step is an opportunity for FIFA to demonstrate its commitment to political neutrality, transparency and accountability."
FairSquare accuses Infantino of violating the "duty of neutrality" under Article 15 of the FIFA Code of Ethics. The group wants the circumstances of the "FIFA Peace Prize," awarded to Trump last November with undisclosed criteria, to be investigated.
FairSquare also criticized Infantino's October call for Trump to receive the Nobel Peace Prize and his support for the US president's domestic policies. The group argued that "Infantino's open support for President Trump's national and international political agenda threatens the integrity and reputation of football and FIFA."
FIFA did not respond to an AFP question on the matter on Friday. The body had previously remained silent on FairSquare's application and criticism of the Peace Prize.
Meanwhile, the knockout rounds have begun at the 2026 World Cup hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico. All three host nations advanced to the round of 16: Canada will face Morocco, Mexico will take on England, and the US will meet Belgium.
