Norwegian FA Demands FIFA Scrap Trump’s Controversial Peace Prize
The Norwegian Football Association (NFF) is leading a growing chorus of criticism against FIFA, demanding the global governing body abolish its newly created peace prize after awarding the inaugural honor to former U.S. President Donald Trump.
NFF President Lise Klaveness called the award “a mistake” that risks dragging football into political controversies, arguing FIFA lacks the mandate to judge peace efforts. “This prize has no legitimacy,” Klaveness told Norwegian media Tuesday. “Football organizations must maintain distance from state leaders. These awards become highly political and require independent juries—something FIFA isn’t equipped to handle.”
Controversial Award Draws Global Scrutiny
FIFA introduced the peace prize during the December 2025 draw for the 2026 World Cup, presenting it to Trump in what many saw as a consolation gesture after his repeated public claims that he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize. The decision immediately sparked backlash from football federations, human rights groups, and political observers.
The NFF’s board announced plans to formally support an investigation into the award’s selection process, citing concerns that FIFA President Gianni Infantino may have violated the organization’s ethical guidelines on political impartiality. The non-profit FairSquare has already filed a complaint, alleging the prize undermines FIFA’s stated commitment to neutrality.
FIFA’s peace prize to Trump is a farce. Football should unite people through sport, not hand out political trophies to divisive figures. The NFF is right to demand this ends. #FIFA #WorldCup2026
— Human Rights Watch (@hrw) April 27, 2026
Calls for U.S. Government Assurances
Beyond the peace prize controversy, the NFF is likewise pressing FIFA to secure guarantees from U.S. Authorities regarding immigration enforcement during the 2026 World Cup. The tournament, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, has raised concerns about potential interference from agencies like ICE, particularly given Trump’s past hardline immigration policies.
“We need clear assurances that fans and teams won’t face harassment at matches,” Klaveness said. “Football should be a safe space for all, regardless of nationality or background.”
The 2026 World Cup is set to be the largest in history, with 48 teams competing across 16 host cities. Organizers have emphasized inclusivity as a core value, but the peace prize controversy threatens to overshadow the tournament’s buildup.
FIFA’s Response Still Pending
FIFA has yet to publicly respond to the NFF’s demands or the ethical complaints filed against Infantino. The organization’s statutes explicitly prohibit political interference, but critics argue the peace prize blurs that line.
“This isn’t about Trump—it’s about FIFA overstepping its role,” said a European football official who requested anonymity. “If they want to promote peace, they should focus on using football to bridge divides, not handing out awards to politicians.”
The NFF’s letter to FIFA is expected to be sent later this week, with several other national federations considering joining the call for an investigation. The controversy comes at a sensitive time for FIFA, which has faced repeated criticism over governance issues in recent years.
