Fifa's Peace Prize: A Prize in Question Amidst Cronyism Concerns
The unveiling of Fifa's new peace prize has sparked widespread disquiet, particularly regarding its internal mechanisms and potential bias towards powerful leaders. The initiative, announced by president Gianni Infantino, promises to recognize individuals who unite people through unwavering commitment and special actions.
However, a closer examination of the selection process reveals concerns over cronyism and nepotism. Zaw Zaw, the 59-year-old president of Myanmar's football federation for two decades, has been appointed as the chair of Fifa's new social responsibility committee tasked with devising the award-winner selection process.
Zaw Zaw's background is replete with controversies. In the past, he was described by the US state department as one of "cronies" of Myanmar's brutal military junta, which suppressed democracy and human rights. His company, Max Myanmar, has been subject to EU and US economic sanctions at various points between 2009 and 2016.
The move to appoint Zaw Zaw has raised suspicions about the Fifa peace prize's transparency and accountability. Critics argue that this appointment smacks of cronyism, where powerful individuals with connections to authoritarian regimes are rewarded for their support. Nick McGeehan, co-director of FairSquare, a human rights advocacy group, stated that Infantino's personal announcement of the peace prize without involving Fifa's council was typical of his leadership style.
Furthermore, Fifa's relationship with influential leaders, particularly Trump and Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman, is seen as strategic rather than principled. McGeehan pointed out that Fifa makes most of its revenue in men's World Cup years, which means it relies heavily on the host country for broadcasting and sponsorship deals.
Stephen Cockburn, Amnesty International's head of labour rights and sport, echoed this sentiment, stating that while there is lip service to human rights considerations, "finance and power" remain the priority.
The unveiling of Fifa's new peace prize has sparked widespread disquiet, particularly regarding its internal mechanisms and potential bias towards powerful leaders. The initiative, announced by president Gianni Infantino, promises to recognize individuals who unite people through unwavering commitment and special actions.
However, a closer examination of the selection process reveals concerns over cronyism and nepotism. Zaw Zaw, the 59-year-old president of Myanmar's football federation for two decades, has been appointed as the chair of Fifa's new social responsibility committee tasked with devising the award-winner selection process.
Zaw Zaw's background is replete with controversies. In the past, he was described by the US state department as one of "cronies" of Myanmar's brutal military junta, which suppressed democracy and human rights. His company, Max Myanmar, has been subject to EU and US economic sanctions at various points between 2009 and 2016.
The move to appoint Zaw Zaw has raised suspicions about the Fifa peace prize's transparency and accountability. Critics argue that this appointment smacks of cronyism, where powerful individuals with connections to authoritarian regimes are rewarded for their support. Nick McGeehan, co-director of FairSquare, a human rights advocacy group, stated that Infantino's personal announcement of the peace prize without involving Fifa's council was typical of his leadership style.
Furthermore, Fifa's relationship with influential leaders, particularly Trump and Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman, is seen as strategic rather than principled. McGeehan pointed out that Fifa makes most of its revenue in men's World Cup years, which means it relies heavily on the host country for broadcasting and sponsorship deals.
Stephen Cockburn, Amnesty International's head of labour rights and sport, echoed this sentiment, stating that while there is lip service to human rights considerations, "finance and power" remain the priority.
. They're basically giving a free pass to cronies like Zaw Zaw just because they've got connections to powerful people. It's so shady 
. I mean, what even is the point of having a "peace" prize if you're just gonna award it to people who are friends with dictators? 
. It's a total mess, imo. Can we please just have some transparency and accountability for once? 
. Appointing Zaw Zaw, a guy with a history of being buddies with Myanmar's military junta? That's not exactly the most reassuring choice for someone tasked with selecting award winners who are supposed to be champions of peace and unity.
. Nick McGeehan's right, Gianni Infantino didn't exactly follow procedure by announcing this prize without consulting his own council. That kind of move just reeks of cronyism to me.
. The fact that most of their revenue comes from broadcasting and sponsorship deals with countries like Saudi Arabia and the US just adds fuel to the fire. I mean, come on, Fifa – can't you do better than this?
i mean what if fifa is just gonna use its peace prize as a way to butter up powerful people who are basically human rights violators? I know zaw zaw has a sketchy past and all, but it's still weird that he's in charge of the committee that chooses the winners. like shouldn't they be looking for people who actually care about making a difference for humanity? 
not to mention fifa's ties with places like saudi arabia... i mean i know they're a major sponsor and all, but can we really trust them when it comes to human rights? 
. I mean, come on, you can't trust Zaw Zaw after everything he's been involved in 
. It's like they're playing a game of "who can be friends with the right person" instead of actually promoting peace and unity 
. And don't even get me started on how much money is at stake - if it's all about the benjamins, then what's the point of having a prize that's supposed to promote human rights? 
i mean whats up with zaw zaw being in charge? like isnt he some kinda crony for myanmar's military junta? didnt us state dept describe him as one of their "cronies" back in the day? and now hes tasked with picking winners for this peace prize? sounds sus to me 
. It feels like they're trying to curry favor with powerful leaders and countries, rather than focusing on true humanitarian work 
. And let's be real, if they're making most of their revenue in World Cup years, it feels like the focus is on profits over people 
.