The FIFA Peace Prize – created and awarded just five months ago – is facing its first existential crisis. Lise Klaveness, president of the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF), has formally requested FIFA abolish the award after its inaugural presentation to former U.S. President Donald Trump, calling it “a serious matter that a political award is introduced without any basis.”

The controversy centers on what Klaveness describes as a fundamental breach of FIFA’s own statutes regarding political neutrality. In an interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK on Monday, she stated: “Absolutely. We are critical of its creation. It had no basis in the FIFA Congress. It has no legitimacy, and We see clearly outside FIFA’s mandate.”

The Award That Wasn’t Approved

According to FIFA’s official records, the Peace Prize was never presented to or approved by the FIFA Congress – the organization’s supreme legislative body. This procedural omission forms the core of Norway’s complaint. The NFF board has unanimously decided to support an ethics complaint against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, which was originally filed by human rights organization FairSquare.

“The issue is that FIFA, through its president, has violated rules regarding political neutrality by awarding this peace prize,” Klaveness told NRK. “We are asking the Ethics Committee to review this.”

A Trophy Without Criteria

The December 2025 award ceremony during the 2026 World Cup draw in Miami was notable for its lack of transparency. No official criteria for the Peace Prize were ever published, and the selection process remains opaque. The presentation included Trump receiving a large trophy featuring hands clawing at a golden globe, accompanied by a certificate that Infantino read aloud – though the specific wording of that certificate has not been made public by FIFA.

Klaveness emphasized the broader implications: “It is serious that a political award is being introduced without any basis. We discussed this at the board meeting. We have decided that we will support this, and we will send a letter to FIFA asking the Ethics Committee to review this complaint.”

FIFA’s Neutrality Questioned

The controversy comes at a sensitive time for FIFA, which is preparing to host the 2026 World Cup across three countries – the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Norway is one of the 48 nations qualified for the tournament, giving their complaint particular weight.

FairSquare’s complaint alleges that awarding the prize to Trump violates FIFA’s ethical guidelines on political impartiality. The organization’s concerns are amplified by Trump’s history of controversial statements and policies, which many argue are incompatible with the spirit of peace and international cooperation that FIFA claims to promote.

Infantino’s decision to create the award without congressional approval has drawn criticism from other football federations as well. Whereas the Norwegian complaint is the most formal response to date, reports indicate growing unease among European federations about FIFA’s expanding scope beyond football governance.

The Trump Connection

The timing of Trump’s award raised eyebrows among observers. The former president had frequently suggested he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for his diplomatic efforts, making the FIFA Peace Prize appear to some as a consolation prize. The award was presented during the World Cup draw – a high-profile event where Infantino likely sought maximum visibility.

Trump’s acceptance of the award while serving as a private citizen (after leaving office in January 2025) adds another layer of complexity. FIFA’s statutes are unclear about whether awards can be given to individuals not currently holding political office, further complicating the ethics review.

What Happens Next?

The Norwegian Football Federation’s formal complaint triggers a process that could have several outcomes:

• FIFA’s Ethics Committee could dismiss the complaint, maintaining the status quo
• The committee could recommend abolishing the Peace Prize
• A middle-ground solution might involve formalizing the award’s criteria and approval process
• Infantino could face disciplinary action if the committee finds he violated FIFA’s neutrality rules

Klaveness has been clear about her preferred outcome: “We are asking the Ethics Committee to review this complaint with the goal of abolishing the Peace Prize entirely. FIFA’s mandate is to govern football, not to make political statements through awards that lack any legitimate foundation.”

Broader Implications for FIFA

The controversy arrives at a pivotal moment for FIFA as it seeks to rebuild trust following years of corruption scandals and governance concerns. The organization has repeatedly emphasized its commitment to political neutrality in recent years, particularly after controversies surrounding World Cup host selections.

Infantino’s leadership has been marked by both expansionist ambitions, and controversy. His tenure has seen:

• The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams in 2026
• Controversial decisions regarding World Cup host selections
• Increased commercialization of the sport
• Ongoing debates about human rights and labor practices in host countries

The Peace Prize controversy adds to this complex legacy, raising questions about whether FIFA is overreaching its mandate under Infantino’s leadership.

Key Questions About the FIFA Peace Prize

1. What is the FIFA Peace Prize?

The award was created in 2025 by FIFA President Gianni Infantino without approval from the FIFA Congress. It was presented for the first time in December 2025 to former U.S. President Donald Trump during the 2026 World Cup draw. No official criteria for the award have been published.

2. Why is Norway complaining?

The Norwegian Football Federation argues that the award violates FIFA’s statutes on political neutrality. They contend that creating and awarding a political prize without congressional approval is outside FIFA’s mandate and sets a dangerous precedent.

3. What do FIFA’s statutes say about political neutrality?

FIFA’s statutes include provisions requiring the organization to maintain political neutrality. Article 3 states: “FIFA is neutral in matters of politics and religion.” The Norwegian complaint argues that awarding a political prize violates this principle.

4. Has FIFA responded to the complaint?

As of April 28, 2026, FIFA has not issued an official response to the Norwegian complaint or FairSquare’s ethics filing. The organization typically does not comment on ongoing ethics investigations.

5. Could this affect the 2026 World Cup?

While the controversy is unlikely to impact the tournament directly, it adds to the governance concerns surrounding FIFA as it prepares to host its largest-ever World Cup. Norway’s participation in the tournament gives their complaint additional weight.

The Road Ahead

The FIFA Ethics Committee now faces a significant decision that could shape the organization’s future direction. Their ruling will be closely watched by:

• Football federations concerned about FIFA’s expanding scope
• Human rights organizations monitoring FIFA’s governance
• Governments involved in the 2026 World Cup preparations
• Commercial partners evaluating FIFA’s brand reputation

For now, the Norwegian Football Federation is standing firm. “This isn’t just about one award or one recipient,” Klaveness told NRK. “It’s about whether FIFA will respect its own rules and remain focused on football, or whether it will continue to overreach into areas that have no place in our sport.”

The next official update is expected when the FIFA Ethics Committee announces whether it will formally investigate the complaint. That decision could come within the next 30 days, according to standard FIFA procedures.

What do you think about FIFA’s Peace Prize? Should the organization be making political statements through awards? Share your thoughts in the comments below.