Norwegian FA backs ethics complaint against FIFA president Infantino over Trump peace prize

The complaint

The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) has submitted a formal letter of support to FIFA's ethics committee, backing a complaint originally filed by human rights organisation FairSquare in December 2025. The complaint objects to FIFA president Gianni Infantino presenting an inaugural "FIFA Peace Prize" to U.S. President Donald Trump during the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington on 6 December. FairSquare argues that Infantino violated his duty of political neutrality under FIFA statutes.

We have sent it, and it is causing some political reactions. But it is sent, and that is checked off. We will follow up, push forward, request meetings, and build momentum on this as soon as the World Cup is over.

Norway's solo approach

NFF president Lise Klaveness confirmed at a press conference on Tuesday that the letter was sent independently, without pressuring other member associations to co-sign. She acknowledged that other federations had expressed support but said the NFF concluded that applying pressure would only create friction. The federation's general assembly had mandated the action.

I think the others knew they could sign if they wanted. We concluded it was pointless to pressure anyone, that it would only lead to tensions.

FIFA's reaction

Klaveness revealed that FIFA officials reacted to the NFF's stance during a meeting in Budapest over the weekend, which coincided with the Champions League final. She described the discussions as constructive, though FIFA officials made clear they viewed the letter as problematic when coming from a member association. FIFA has not publicly disclosed the criteria used to award the peace prize.

The prize and the politics

The award was presented on 5–6 December 2025 during the World Cup draw ceremony. Infantino said at the time that FIFA was recognising Trump's "extraordinary and outstanding actions to promote peace and unity around the world." Trump responded by calling it "one of the greatest honours of my life" and had earlier stated he "deserved" the prize, claiming to have "ended eight wars." Infantino has openly cultivated ties with Trump since the president's return to power in January 2025 and has advocated for Trump to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

World Cup context

The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, runs from 11 June to 19 July. The ethics complaint arrives just over a week before the tournament begins, placing FIFA under scrutiny as the global football community gathers in North America. Klaveness said the NFF will pursue the matter more vigorously once the tournament concludes.