Fresh controversy erupts over FIFA Peace Prize for Trump
By Trust Ittai
The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that it has formally requested FIFA's Ethics Committee to investigate the decision to award its inaugural Peace Prize to United States President Donald Trump.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the award to Trump during the draw ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on December 6.
The move has continued to generate controversy. Later that month, human rights organization FairSquare lodged a complaint with FIFA's Ethics Committee, alleging that Infantino breached the principle of political neutrality by publicly endorsing Trump through the award.
FIFA has yet to disclose the criteria or process used in selecting the recipient of the Peace Prize.
The award was presented at a time when Trump and members of his administration were actively promoting his candidacy for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Speaking on the matter, NFF President Lise Klaveness revealed that the Norwegian federation acted independently in approaching FIFA's Ethics Committee.
"I think other federations knew they could support the initiative if they wanted to," Klaveness said.
"We concluded that putting pressure on others would be counterproductive and could create unnecessary friction."
Infantino has cultivated a close relationship with Trump in the build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
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