Socceroos vice-captain Jackson Irvine has strongly criticised FIFA for awarding its first-ever peace prize to US President Donald Trump.
The Germany-based midfielder argued that the decision contradicts FIFA’s own Human Rights Policy and undermines its credibility.
FIFA, led by president Gianni Infantino, presented the award to Trump during the men’s World Cup draw in December, shortly after he was overlooked for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Infantino praised Trump for promoting “peace and unity” ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament is expected to become the most expensive sporting event for fans to attend.
However, criticism intensified after subsequent US military actions. A month after the award ceremony, the US launched a strike on Venezuela and later carried out joint airstrikes with Israel on Iran.
Irvine said such decisions damage football’s image and contradict FIFA’s stated goal of using the sport as a force for positive global change.
He told Reuters that awarding the prize “makes a mockery” of FIFA’s human rights commitments and weakens its position as an organisation promoting fairness and progress.
He also added that moves like this create a growing disconnect between top-level football and the communities that give the sport its true meaning.
With World Cup matches set to take place in the US, Irvine also addressed safety concerns. Trump previously stated on social media that he could not guarantee the safety of Iran’s national team, which is scheduled to play group matches in the US.
Irvine, 33, captains German club St. Pauli and has consistently spoken out on humanitarian issues throughout his career.
Before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he and several teammates publicly supported the decriminalisation of same-sex relationships.
Looking ahead to the 2026 tournament, Irvine urged Trump to ensure the safety and rights of minority communities.
He warned that concerns over declining protections for certain groups are not limited to the Middle East, but are also increasingly visible within the United States.
Irvine concluded by expressing hope that there will be stronger and more visible support for these communities during the tournament.
