German Lawmaker Says Fifa Neutrality Undermined by Donald Trump’s Prominent Role at World Cup Draw

A senior German politician has accused Fifa of damaging its political neutrality after former US President Donald Trump played a high profile role at the draw ceremony for the 2026 World Cup, an event that has already drawn criticism for its symbolism and soaring ticket prices.

Omid Nouripour, a vice president of Germany’s parliament and a leading figure in the Green Party, said on Sunday that Fifa’s handling of the draw raised serious questions about the organisation’s independence. Speaking out against what he described as a troubling display, Nouripour argued that Fifa risks long term reputational harm by blurring the line between sport and politics.

The draw for the 2026 tournament was held in Washington on December 5, ahead of a competition that will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Trump, who remains a highly polarising political figure, was given a central role during the ceremony and was also awarded a newly created Fifa peace prize. The move sparked surprise and criticism among observers, particularly in Europe.

Nouripour described the ceremony as deeply inappropriate, saying the involvement of a controversial political leader undermined Fifa’s repeated claims of neutrality. He said the organisation appeared willing to compromise its stated principles for spectacle and political convenience, adding that this approach could erode trust in global football governance.

He also criticised the cost of attending the tournament, pointing to what he called completely unreasonable ticket prices. According to Nouripour, the rising costs risk turning the World Cup into an event accessible only to wealthy fans and corporate guests, distancing it from ordinary supporters who have traditionally been at the heart of the sport.

The German lawmaker warned that Fifa’s decisions around the draw and ticketing reflect a broader pattern in which commercial and political considerations outweigh fairness and inclusivity. He said football’s global appeal rests on the idea that the game belongs to everyone, regardless of background or income, and that this principle is being steadily weakened.

Fifa has long insisted that it remains politically neutral, even when hosting tournaments in countries with differing political systems or human rights records. However, critics say the visible involvement of political leaders at official events makes that position harder to defend. In this case, Trump’s prominent presence and the awarding of a peace related honour raised eyebrows given his divisive legacy on the international stage.

The 2026 World Cup will be the largest in history, featuring an expanded field of teams and matches spread across three countries. While organisers have promoted the tournament as a celebration of unity and cooperation, critics argue that the messaging risks being overshadowed by political symbolism and commercial excess.

Nouripour said Fifa should reflect carefully on how its actions are perceived globally. He warned that aligning too closely with powerful political figures could alienate fans and undermine the credibility of international football institutions. In his view, neutrality is not just a slogan but a responsibility that requires restraint and consistency.

As preparations for the tournament continue, the controversy highlights ongoing tensions between sport, politics, and money. Whether Fifa will respond to the criticism or adjust its approach remains unclear, but the debate has added another layer of scrutiny to an event already expected to face intense global attention.