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Infantino Joins Board of Peace, Blurring Sports and Diplomacy

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 19:56 GMT by Chicago Tribune
      Locales: SWITZERLAND, UNITED STATES, QATAR

Saturday, February 21st, 2026 - The worlds of international sports administration and global peace efforts are increasingly intersecting, highlighted by FIFA President Gianni Infantino's recent appointment to the Board of Peace and the ongoing deliberations within the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding the inclusion of esports in the Olympic Games. These two developments, while seemingly disparate, reveal a broader trend of leveraging the unifying power of sport - and its expanding definition - to address global challenges and resonate with evolving cultural landscapes.

Infantino's addition to the Board of Peace, announced earlier this week, signifies a growing recognition of the influence sporting organizations wield on a global scale. FIFA, as the governing body of football, boasts an unparalleled reach, connecting billions of fans worldwide. This vast network, coupled with significant financial resources, positions FIFA - and by extension, Infantino - as a potentially powerful player in conflict resolution and humanitarian aid. The Board of Peace clearly intends to harness this influence, hoping to utilize football's unifying force to foster dialogue and mediate disputes. While specifics of Infantino's role remain largely undisclosed, it is expected to involve supporting existing peace initiatives and potentially launching new programs leveraging FIFA's platforms and partnerships. Some analysts suggest this move could also be a strategic effort by FIFA to rehabilitate its image following periods of scrutiny regarding governance and ethics.

Concurrently, the IOC is grappling with a fundamental question: what constitutes a sport? This debate is at the heart of the ongoing assessment of esports' suitability for inclusion in future Olympic Games. The issue isn't new; discussions have been ongoing for years, but the IOC's level of engagement has demonstrably increased. Committees have been formed, consultations with esports organizations have been held, and various integration models are being explored - ranging from dedicated esports tournaments to hybrid events blending physical and digital competition.

The traditional argument against esports centers on the perceived lack of physical exertion. Critics contend that the Olympic Games were founded on principles of athletic prowess, requiring strength, stamina, and demonstrable physical skill. Esports, they argue, primarily tests mental acuity, strategic thinking, and reflexes - skills valuable in their own right, but not aligning with the historical ethos of the Olympics. However, proponents fiercely counter this claim, pointing to the intense training regimens of professional gamers, the lightning-fast reaction times required, and the demanding strategic complexities involved. They argue that esports demands a different kind of athleticism - one focused on cognitive and neuromuscular coordination, rather than solely physical strength.

The debate extends beyond mere physical requirements. Concerns regarding governance, integrity, and the potential for match-fixing within esports also weigh heavily on the IOC's decision. Ensuring fair play and upholding the Olympic values of respect, excellence, and friendship are paramount. The IOC is also carefully analyzing the rapidly evolving landscape of esports, with new games and genres emerging constantly. Selecting titles with long-term stability and broad appeal is a significant challenge. Furthermore, the proprietary nature of many esports titles - controlled by private companies - raises questions about the IOC's control and authority over the competition.

However, dismissing esports outright would be a strategic misstep for the IOC. The global esports audience is enormous and continues to grow, particularly among younger demographics. Including esports would undoubtedly attract a new generation of viewers and participants, boosting the Games' relevance and securing its future. It could also provide a much-needed injection of innovation and excitement into the Olympic program. The decision isn't simply about adhering to a rigid definition of 'sport' but about adapting to a changing world and embracing new forms of competition. The potential inclusion of esports in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics is now considered highly likely, with preliminary discussions focused on a limited number of titles and a carefully curated competitive format.

The convergence of Infantino's peace efforts and the esports debate highlights a broader trend: a reimagining of sport's role in the 21st century. It's no longer solely about athletic competition; it's about leveraging the unifying power of sport to promote peace, foster understanding, and connect with a global audience - even if that audience is primarily engaging through digital platforms. The IOC and FIFA's actions demonstrate a willingness to explore these new frontiers, acknowledging that the future of sport is inextricably linked to diplomacy, technology, and the evolving definition of competition itself.