FIFA creates annual Peace Prize to unite the world at the Dec draw

FIFA announced on Wednesday the creation of a new annual award, the FIFA Peace Prize Football Unites the World, to be presented for the first time at the World Cup final draw on Dec. 5 in Washington, D.C., FIFA said. The governing body said the prize will recognize individuals or groups whose actions have helped unite people and promote peace.

"In an increasingly unsettled and divided world, it is fundamental to recognize the outstanding contribution of those who work hard to end conflicts and bring people together in a spirit of peace," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement. FIFA said Infantino will present the inaugural prize on behalf of fans worldwide and that the award will be bestowed annually.

FIFA did not name a recipient. The announcement prompted immediate speculation that the prize could go to U.S. President Donald Trump, who is expected to be present at the December draw and has been publicly allied with Infantino. Trump has sought a Nobel Peace Prize in recent months but was not selected by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, several reports said.

The choice of Washington and the Kennedy Center for the draw was announced earlier by Trump. The World Cup draw...