FIFA Peace Prize Under Fire: Norway’s Football Chief Calls Award to Trump ‘Not Legitimate’

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief of Archysport

FIFA’s decision to award its inaugural Peace Prize to U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked a rare public rebuke from one of world football’s most influential voices. Lise Klaveness, president of the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) and a member of UEFA’s executive committee, has demanded the abolition of the award, calling it “not legitimate” and accusing FIFA of overstepping its mandate.

The controversy arrives just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in the United States, Canada, and Mexico—a tournament already shadowed by political tensions, including ongoing discussions between FIFA and the Trump administration over immigration enforcement during the event.

Klaveness: “FIFA Has No Mandate for a Peace Prize”

Speaking to international media on Monday, Klaveness minced no words in her criticism of the award, which was presented to Trump by FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., on December 6, 2025. The prize was announced by FIFA in November 2025 without prior approval from its governing bodies, including the FIFA Council.

“We want to see [the FIFA Peace Prize] abolished,” Klaveness said. “We don’t think it’s part of FIFA’s mandate to give such a prize. We think we have a Nobel institute that does that job independently already.”

Her remarks align with broader concerns about FIFA’s political neutrality, a principle enshrined in the organization’s statutes. The timing of the award—amid speculation that it was created as a consolation after Trump was overlooked for the Nobel Peace Prize—has fueled accusations that Infantino leveraged the prize to curry favor with the U.S. President ahead of the World Cup.

Ethics Complaint and FIFA’s Political Tightrope

Klaveness revealed she supports an ethics complaint against Infantino filed by a human rights organization, though she did not name the group or specify the allegations. The complaint adds to a growing list of controversies surrounding Infantino’s leadership, including his reported efforts to secure a moratorium on ICE raids during the World Cup.

Since Trump’s return to the presidency in January 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has intensified enforcement actions, leading to deadly clashes with protesters. In January 2026, ICE agents were involved in the killings of two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, during a raid in Minnesota. Data cited by the Washington Post showed ICE arrested approximately 1,000 people per day in the six weeks following Pretti’s death, with 42% of those detained having no criminal record.

FIFA’s potential request for a moratorium on ICE activity during the World Cup has drawn scrutiny from labor unions and members of Congress, who fear the agency’s involvement could extend beyond security measures to immigration enforcement near tournament venues. Some European federations have privately expressed concerns about fan safety amid the heightened ICE presence.

Why the Peace Prize Matters for the 2026 World Cup

The backlash over the Peace Prize underscores the delicate balance FIFA must strike as it prepares to host its flagship event in a politically charged environment. The tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, will be the first World Cup held across three nations—with 16 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico hosting matches—and is expected to draw over 11 million attendees.

For Infantino, the controversy arrives at a pivotal moment. His relationship with Trump has been a focal point of his second term, with the two leaders publicly embracing at events like the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey. Critics argue that the Peace Prize was a calculated move to secure Trump’s cooperation for the World Cup, particularly on issues like visa facilitation for fans and players.

Klaveness’s call for abolition is unlikely to derail the award immediately, but it signals growing resistance within FIFA’s ranks. The Norwegian federation, known for its progressive stance on human rights and gender equality in football, has previously clashed with Infantino over issues like the expanded 2026 World Cup format and the allocation of hosting rights.

What’s Next for FIFA and the Peace Prize?

The FIFA Congress, which convenes later this week, will provide a platform for further debate on the Peace Prize. Klaveness, who will represent Norway at the congress, has indicated she will raise the issue formally, though it remains unclear whether other federations will join her push for abolition.

For now, the award stands, and Trump remains its sole recipient. But the controversy has already overshadowed the buildup to the World Cup, raising questions about FIFA’s ability to navigate political minefields while maintaining its stated neutrality.

Key Takeaways

• Norway’s football chief calls FIFA Peace Prize “not legitimate.” Lise Klaveness demands the abolition of the award, arguing FIFA lacks the mandate to confer such honors.
• Prize awarded to Trump amid political tensions. The timing of the award, presented by Gianni Infantino in December 2025, has fueled speculation it was a political gesture.
• Ethics complaint filed against Infantino. Klaveness supports a complaint from a human rights organization, though details remain undisclosed.
• World Cup 2026 faces immigration enforcement concerns. FIFA is reportedly seeking a moratorium on ICE raids during the tournament, citing fan safety.
• FIFA Congress to address the controversy. The issue will be raised at this week’s meeting, though broader support for abolition is uncertain.

How to Follow the Story

For official updates on the FIFA Congress and the 2026 World Cup, visit FIFA’s website. Archysport will continue to cover the fallout from the Peace Prize controversy and its implications for the tournament.

What do you think? Should FIFA abolish the Peace Prize? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on social media using #FIFAControversy.