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The FIFA Peace Award, a controversial honor tied to global football’s governing body, is facing growing calls for its abolition after a string of high-profile critics weighed in following the latest controversy surrounding the prize.
Norwegian FA Joins Growing Opposition
The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) has officially demanded the immediate scrapping of the FIFA Peace Award, arguing that the accolade has lost its credibility. In a statement released on Sunday, the NFF questioned the integrity of the selection process and the award’s alignment with the values of the sport.
“The FIFA Peace Award no longer serves its intended purpose,” the federation stated. “It has become a symbol of political maneuvering rather than a genuine celebration of peace through football. We urge FIFA to discontinue it.”
Trump’s Involvement Sparks Backlash
The debate over the award’s future intensified after former U.S. President Donald Trump was named a recipient in 2025, a decision that drew sharp criticism from human rights groups, football organizations, and political figures. Trump, who returned to the White House in January 2025, was honored for his role in brokering a ceasefire agreement in the Middle East—a move many saw as a calculated political gesture rather than a reflection of football’s global mission.
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported that the backlash has now reached a tipping point, with calls for FIFA to sever ties with the award entirely. “The Trump nomination was the final straw,” an unnamed football official told the outlet. “The award has been hijacked by agendas that have nothing to do with the sport.”
FIFA Yet to Respond
Despite the mounting pressure, FIFA has not issued a public statement addressing the calls for abolition. The governing body has historically defended the award as a means of promoting football’s role in diplomacy, but critics argue that recent selections have undermined its legitimacy.
The controversy comes at a time when FIFA is already under scrutiny for its handling of human rights issues, tournament hosting decisions, and financial transparency. The Peace Award, once seen as a symbolic gesture, now risks becoming another flashpoint in the organization’s ongoing image crisis.
For now, football fans and officials alike are watching closely to notice whether FIFA will heed the calls for change—or double down on a prize that many believe has outlived its relevance.
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