US President Donald Trump has been awarded FIFA’s new peace prize on the draw for subsequent yr’s World Cup.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino introduced Mr Trump with a big golden trophy – fashioned of palms holding the earth – and a gold medal, which he wore round his neck.
The certificates, which Mr Infantino handed over at Washington DC’s Kennedy Heart on Friday, recognises the US president for his actions to “promote peace and unity around the world”.
World soccer’s governing physique, which introduced the annual award final month, mentioned it will be given to “individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace”.
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Mr Trump mentioned it was “truly one of the greatest honours of my life”.
He mentioned: “We saved millions and millions of lives. The Congo is an example – over 10 million people killed. It was heading for another 10 million very quickly.”
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US President Donald Trump. Pics: Reuters
He additionally pointed to India and Pakistan, saying, “so many wars that we were able to end, in some cases a little before they started”.
Forward of the draw, Mr Trump informed reporters he didn’t care in regards to the prize, however famous that he had “settled eight wars” in almost 11 months in workplace.
The USA, together with Canada and Mexico, will host the event in 2026.
Mr Infantino, who has constructed up a powerful relationship with the US president, backed him for the Nobel Peace Prize earlier this yr.
“This is what we want from a leader – a leader that cares about the people,” Mr Infantino mentioned of Mr Trump.
The FIFA chief mentioned to Mr Trump, “this is your prize, this is your peace prize”.
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US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Pic: Reuters
Mr Trump thanked his household, together with his spouse, first woman Melania Trump, and praised the leaders of the opposite two host nations – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum – in his temporary remarks.
Mr Infantino has typically spoken about soccer as a unifier for the world, however the prize is a departure from the federation’s conventional give attention to sport.
FIFA has described the prize as one which rewards “individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace, and by doing so have united people across the world”.
The award comes throughout every week the place Mr Trump’s administration has been underneath scrutiny for deadly strikes on alleged drug boats within the Caribbean and as Mr Trump hardens his rhetoric towards immigrants.
The Nobel Peace Prize this yr was finally awarded to Venezuelan opposition chief Maria Corina Machado, who mentioned shortly after receiving the prize that she was dedicating it partially to Mr Trump for “his decisive support of our cause”.
