Lise Klaveness has intensified pressure on FIFA by calling for the immediate abolition of its Peace Prize, describing the award given to Donald Trump as lacking “legitimacy” and falling outside football’s governing body’s mandate, MySportDab Reports.
The Norwegian FA president confirmed that her federation will formally request an ethics review into Gianni Infantino, arguing that the creation and awarding of the prize may have breached FIFA’s political neutrality rules.
Klaveness stressed that the award had no approval from the FIFA Council and was introduced without proper governance structures. She maintained that FIFA does not have the authority or framework to issue a global peace prize, particularly one with clear political implications.
Her stance aligns with human rights organisation FairSquare, which has filed a formal complaint accusing Infantino of multiple breaches of FIFA’s ethics code.
The group cited Article 15, which requires officials to remain politically neutral, warning that violations could result in fines or bans from football-related activities.
The controversy dates back to December, when Trump was presented with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize during the World Cup draw in Washington D.C.
The award’s criteria were never publicly defined, fuelling criticism that the honour was tailored specifically for the former U.S. president.
Infantino defended the decision at the ceremony, praising Trump’s role in international diplomacy and conflict resolution. However, the move drew widespread scrutiny, particularly given the FIFA president’s perceived closeness to Trump.
FairSquare CEO Nick McGeehan welcomed Norway’s intervention, noting that support from a national federation significantly increases pressure on FIFA to act.
He emphasised that accountability is crucial, especially when concerns come from within football’s own structures rather than external critics.
This is not the first time Infantino has faced allegations of political bias. Earlier this year, he was criticised for wearing pro-Trump merchandise, though no action was taken at the time.
The growing backlash places FIFA under renewed scrutiny as questions continue to mount over governance, transparency, and its role in politically sensitive matters.
The outcome of the ethics review could prove decisive in determining whether the organisation reinforces its neutrality stance or faces deeper institutional criticism moving forward.
