By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Internal discomfort is reportedly growing within FIFA regarding the awarding of its peace prize to Donald Trump. The decision has led to “deep embarrassment” among officials, especially considering subsequent actions by the US under Trump, including airstrikes and the capture of Venezuela’s president. While FIFA has defended its choice and maintains positive relations with Trump, officials are now concerned about the “delicate” and “difficult” political climate leading up to the World Cup in the US, with some distancing themselves from these matters. This includes the FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, leaving officials concerned the situation could tarnish their reputations.
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Growing sense of embarrassment at FIFA over Donald Trump peace prize seems to be a rather hard pill to swallow, given FIFA’s track record. The very act of inventing a prize, specifically to placate Donald Trump, raises a whole host of questions about their integrity. For an organization already steeped in controversy and corruption, this feels like an almost unbelievable low. It’s tough to imagine a scenario where FIFA officials, knowing their history, would suddenly develop a sense of shame.
The idea that FIFA could be embarrassed by anything, especially after the blatant self-serving nature of this award, seems incongruous with their past. Many see FIFA as a deeply flawed organization, prioritizing money and political maneuvering above all else. This prize, viewed as a bribe for World Cup-related favors, underscores those concerns. The fact that the award was so obviously a PR stunt, designed to curry favor with the Trump administration, makes the current situation even more farcical.
FIFA’s historical behavior suggests that they are immune to embarrassment, especially when dealing with powerful figures. The organization’s support for authoritarian regimes, its history of corruption scandals, and its focus on financial gain paint a picture of an entity that is not exactly concerned with ethical considerations. The phrase “the most Orangest Man” prize perfectly highlights the perceived absurdity of the situation. It’s hard to imagine FIFA suddenly developing a moral compass.
The transparency and blatantness of the prize were, according to several commentators, particularly noteworthy. There’s a shared sentiment that the entire situation was entirely predictable and should not surprise anyone familiar with FIFA’s dealings. The awarding of a “peace prize” to someone whose actions are often seen as divisive and inflammatory only adds to the irony. It’s hard to see the award as anything other than a cynical move designed to benefit FIFA, not the cause of world peace.
The fact that Donald Trump remains a figure of controversy, even after leaving office, further complicates the situation for FIFA. His continued actions and pronouncements are likely to keep the focus on this “prize” and the questionable judgment of those who awarded it. This raises the question: why be embarrassed now? His persona hasn’t changed, and the perception of the prize hasn’t either. The situation is what it is, and FIFA’s association with it continues to be a public relations disaster.
The harm that this “peace prize” has done to the FIFA brand is, according to one sentiment, incalculable. It undermines their credibility and reinforces negative perceptions of the organization. Their reputation was already tarnished, and this incident only made it worse. Some even suggest that it has become an indicator of who is on the “list” of the morally bankrupt. This situation also brings to light the discussion over special visas to certain world cup goers.
Several comments touch on the perceived hypocrisy of the situation. The point of the prize was ostensibly to achieve some benefit for FIFA, such as avoiding legal charges or gaining political favor. The fact that this “investment” may have become worthless, or even counterproductive, is likely a source of their current concern. Yet, it’s a concern rooted in self-preservation, not a newfound commitment to ethics.
Many of the comments express doubt that those in power within FIFA are capable of feeling embarrassment. The organization’s leaders are frequently seen as prioritizing personal gain and political maneuvering over any sense of moral obligation. This is further supported by the belief that the president likely has no shred of integrity.
The overall tone is one of cynicism and disbelief. Many people simply do not believe that FIFA has the capacity for genuine embarrassment or shame. The consensus seems to be that FIFA is too corrupt, too focused on money, and too accustomed to questionable behavior to suddenly develop any moral compass. The whole situation has become a joke, and FIFA’s association with it continues to be damaging.
This whole scenario is a perfect illustration of the absurdity of the situation. The fact that Trump’s behavior continues to create problems for FIFA highlights the long-term consequences of their choices. Their “investment” has backfired, and they are left with the fallout. The irony, as many see it, is that FIFA is now in a position where they are suffering the consequences of their own actions.