Jackson Irvine Slams FIFA for Awarding Trump Peace Prize Ahead of World Cup
World Cup-bound Socceroos midfielder Jackson Irvine has sharply criticized FIFA and the United States regarding the awarding of a peace prize to President Donald Trump. This decision intensifies the existing geopolitical tensions surrounding the upcoming tournament, already burdened by controversy and inflated pricing. Irvine, who has captained Australia and is set to participate in his third World Cup after recovering from a foot injury, expressed his discontent as a senior member of the global players’ union Fifpro. He became a prominent critic of FIFA, stating that awarding Trump the peace prize undermines the principles of the organization, which is committed to human rights. Irvine remarked, "As an organization, you would have to say decisions like the one that we saw awarding this peace prize makes a mockery of what they’re trying to do with the human rights charter and trying to use football as a global driving force for good and positive change in the world." FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the decision, citing Trump’s role in a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. In contrast, a White House spokesperson claimed, "There is no one else in the world more deserving of FIFA’s first ever peace prize than President Trump." Irvine's comments add fuel to the already heated atmosphere ahead of the tournament. Fans have expressed frustration over soaring ticket and transport costs, and the ongoing war in the Middle East complicates Iran's participation, while human rights concerns in the U.S. grow. He noted that the decision to award Trump the peace prize detracts from football's perceived market and its connection to grassroots communities. Irvine has a history of advocating for human rights, previously speaking out against the treatment of migrant workers in Qatar and the rights of LGBTI+ individuals. As FIFA deliberates on whether players may wear armbands to support social causes during the World Cup, Irvine acknowledged the challenges players face in expressing their opinions in a politically charged environment. He emphasized the need for football to serve as a force for good, stating, "We want to use the game as a driving force for good." Currently engaged in a relegation battle with Bundesliga club St Pauli, Irvine remains hopeful for a spot in the Socceroos' World Cup squad.
Source: The Guardian Sport - 2026-04-29