A group of 50 MEPs has asked FIFA to investigate the peace award that its president, Gianni Infantino, presented to Donald Trump in 2025. The legislators sent a letter to the organization's ethics committee requesting an explanation of the award criteria. This petition reflects public concern over FIFA's transparency and the use of its recognitions for controversial political figures. The credibility of international football is being called into question.
The ethical dilemma in global football algorithms 🤖
The controversy reveals a gap in FIFA's governance systems. Applying a technical approach, the award selection processes lack algorithmic traceability or public audit. A blockchain-based model could record each vote and evaluation criterion, ensuring transparency. However, the organization still operates with analog logics of power and favors. Digitizing these processes would not only improve trust but also prevent subjective decisions from tarnishing the reputation of the world's most popular sport.
Infantino seeks peace with a check in hand 💸
Meanwhile, Infantino must explain whether the award was for world peace or Trump's fiscal peace. Because giving such an accolade to someone who promoted diplomatic chaos is like handing a driver's license to a kamikaze. Perhaps FIFA was looking for a sponsor for the 2026 World Cup and got the wrong folder. The truth is, if peace is measured in dollars, Mr. Trump is the new Gandhi of football. Good thing Messi isn't running for reelection.