FIFA's President, Trump and this Pursuit for Global Harmony: A FIFA-Style Approach

'VARIOUS IDEOLOGIES … DIFFERENT APPROACHES …'

After the Venezuelan opposition leader was awarded the latest international peace honor for her "tireless work advocating for civil liberties", the American president responded displaying exactly the sort of generous response people could anticipate. Having consistently managed a campaign of self-promotion to make certain he was the recipient, the leader promptly asserted acknowledgment for the South American activist's success, cataloged his own self-announced and regularly questionable accomplishments in the field of international diplomacy and attacked the legitimacy of the selection panel who determined not to award the recognition, monetary award and certificate to him.

Although protection considerations mean it is still uncertain if the newly crowned peace prize winner will appear from seclusion to receive her accolade personally at the Scandinavian presentation in the final month, a particular obsequious Fifa president seems intent on appropriating her thunder anyway. Yup, Gianni Infantino has decided to award a recognition for harmony of his original design in front of a global TV audience of numerous worldwide sports followers in the preceding days in the American capital.

A person who has over many years promoted the significance of preserving political matters separate from football, specifically when they're the kind of political positions he finds awkward or simply objects to, Infantino used his platform at the America Business Forum in Miami to advocate his position about the power of soccer to unite individuals of every color and belief, particularly those who have a spare significant financial resources accessible to purchase dynamically priced International Football Championship admissions.

"In an increasingly unsettled and divided world, it's fundamental to acknowledge the exceptional effort of individuals who labor diligently to resolve conflicts and bring people together in a mindset of tranquility", he announced. "The sport represents harmony and acting for the whole soccer world, the Football Unity Honor – The Game Brings Together will recognize the enormous work of those individuals who unite people, providing confidence for coming years."

Yet which individual could he indicate? While the FIFA president was careful not to give clear signals about the identity of the initial prize's fortunate winner, he did move into a likely distinct and flattering tribute to his current Personal Ally (Or At Least Until August Next Year), Trump. His statements undoubtedly had the planned result. Internationally, the most cynical of commentators were aligned in asserting they knew precisely who would be winning the Pretend Peace Prize, with certain individuals even going so far as present totally unsupported assertions that the legally adjudicated and competitive misconduct individual being discussed might even have pressured the organization leader to create the honor just to compensate for the president's sense of grievance at missing out on the authentic award.

As credible a circumstance as it sounds, Football Daily holds a different view, particularly since in the preceding period the growingly preposterous Fifa boss has worked his path to such an extent into the president's favor that it's quite possible this new wheeze was actually his personal creation.

And while we can probably assume it remains beyond Infantino's restricted imagination to throw the ultimate surprise by giving the initial (and possibly last) peace prize to the environmental campaigner, the Ukrainian leader or that member of the soccer club's training personnel who intervened between the player and the coach to stop an unedifying Bigger Cup sideline confrontation, it's possible to wish the Chelsea player and his club colleagues are invited along to Washington wearing uniforms to execute a revenge-hijack of the leader's award event.

That particular gilded questionable trophy, or whatever other similarly appropriate ornament the football official decides to give the American president for his contributions to global peace and cooperation, would adequately compensate for the winner's medal he notoriously palmed and retained during the Club World Cup final award event.

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DAILY HIGHLIGHT

"An individual who collaborated extensively with music celebrities informed me that the time that they reach famous is the stage they stay for their entire existence. I considered: 'That fails to indicate positively for me.' I found myself under public scrutiny at young adulthood and thrust in front of journalists. You develop, you become a dad, but you're still a footballer. And then, suddenly, it concludes but your complete self-image is still connected in the game" – the retired athlete provides thoughtful perspective in this excellent conversation.

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Adam Owens
Adam Owens

A certified yoga instructor and wellness coach passionate about holistic health and mindfulness.