“We stopped so many wars. 10 million more people would have died in the Congo”

Already a month ago, when FIFA and the president of the forum, Gianni Infantino, announced the establishment of the peace prize, its recipient was obvious. It's about Donald Trump. The US president has a close relationship with the FIFA boss and boasts of ending eight wars after returning to the White House for this second term.

Today, in the draw ceremony for the groups of the World Cup, the expectations were confirmed.

Donald J. Trump received the first FIFA Peace Prize

How did FIFA justify the election of Trump?

“We honor a dynamic leader who has engaged in diplomatic efforts that have created opportunities for dialogue, de-escalation and stability, and championed the unifying power of soccer on the world stage. The first FIFA Peace Prize is proudly presented to the President of the United States, the Honorable Donald J. Trump.”

He supported efforts to negotiate armistices and promote diplomatic engagement, actions that contributed to creating the conditions in which peace can take root.

Under President Trump's leadership, the historic Abraham Accords were signed, bringing real progress to the Middle East for the first time in decades. His leadership ensured peace between DR Congo and Rwanda, Cambodia and Thailand, Kosovo and Serbia, India and Pakistan, Egypt and Ethiopia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

President Trump's actions also secured peace between Israel and Hamas by mediating the Gaza peace plan, and make continuous efforts to bring lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine. This has been a presidency marked by actions to promote peace around the world,” was the explanation offered during the trophy presentation clip.

After the grandiose trophy was presented, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stepped onto the stage. He invited Donald Trump to join him and addressed him:

“Mr. President, this is your award, your peace award. We also have a gorgeous medal for you that you can wear anywhere you want.”

“I'll wear it right now,” Trump replied.

“You will also receive a certificate stating the reasons why you received this award,” continued Infantino.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino: “This is what we want from a leader”

“We see images of war all over the world. Like everyone, we suffer for every child who dies, we cry with every mother who loses a loved one, and we want to see hope, unity, a future. I was lucky enough to witness the signing of the Abraham Accords a few years ago, the Gaza Peace Accord, the Cambodia-Thailand Accord, yesterday the Rwanda-Congo Accord in Washington.

That's what we want from a leader, a leader who cares about people. We want to live in a safe world, we want to unite people. That's what we do today, here, that's what we'll do at the World Championship.

You certainly deserve this award for your actions, for what you have achieved. You did it your way, but you accomplished an incredible amount. You can always count on my support and that of the entire football community to help you make peace, make the whole world prosper,” the FIFA president told Trump.

Donald Trump: “Another 10 million people would have died in the Congo”

“Thank you very much, it's really an honor, one of the greatest of my life. I have saved millions and millions of lives. Congo is an example. Over 10 million died and another 10 million were fast approaching. India-Pakistan, so many different wars we were able to stop, some before they even started.

It is such an honor to be with Gianni. I've known him for a long time, he's done an incredible job. I have to tell you, you set new records for ticket sales. It's something extraordinary, the numbers are better than anyone would have thought, than even Gianni thought.

I want to thank my family, my first lady, Melania, who is here. Thank you very much! I think you will be part of an event like never seen before. What excitement was created, I've never seen anything like it before!

We have a great relationship with Canada, the Prime Minister of Canada is here, and so is the President of Mexico. We worked closely with the two countries. The coordination, friendliness and working relationship was amazing. I want to thank both of you and your countries.

But first I want to thank you all. The world is a safer place now, the United States wasn't doing very well last year, but we are now the hottest country in the world and we want it to stay that way. Thank you all. Gianni, a great honor,” was Trump's speech.

• Trump boasts he has ended the war between DR Congo and Rwanda, although fighting continues in the streets, NBC News reports. Congo has been wracked by decades of military conflict, now against the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group. Over the years, millions of people have been displaced.

• Donald Trump's death toll of 10 million is not supported by any official source. Since the First Congolese War (1996-1997), estimates are that up to 6 million people have died, but most as a result of the collapse of the health system, living standards, and starvation.