FIFA is embroiled in a new controversy. The Norwegian Football Federation, NFF, has openly raised questions regarding the FIFA Peace Prize given to Donald Trump.
New Delhi: FIFA, the largest organization of world football, is embroiled in a new controversy. The Norwegian Football Federation, NFF, has openly raised questions regarding the FIFA Peace Prize given to US President Donald Trump. The federation has demanded that FIFA’s Ethics Committee investigate this entire matter. It is alleged that FIFA President Gianni Infantino has broken the rules related to the political impartiality of the organization by honoring Trump.
Where did the controversy start?
The crux of the controversy lies with the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw ceremony to be held in December 2025. It was during this event that FIFA launched its Peace Prize for the first time, and its first honor was given to Trump. At that time, Infantino had praised Trump’s alleged role in peace and global unity. However, soon after the award was given, questions started being raised regarding its selection and process.
What did the Norwegian Football Federation say?
Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Clavenes said her organization had sent a formal letter of support to the FIFA Ethics Committee. He clearly said that FIFA should remain politically impartial, and honoring any current political leader in this way raises questions about the neutrality of the organization. Clavenes also said that his organization took this step independently, and no pressure was put on the football federations of other countries.
Has the human rights organization already raised the question?
Actually, this whole matter started with the complaint of the human rights organization Fairsquare. The organization claimed before the FIFA Ethics Committee that Infantino had violated FIFA’s ‘Duty of Neutrality’ rule by showing public support for Trump. It was also asked in the complaint about what parameters the decision to give the peace prize was taken and whether the approval of the FIFA Council was taken for it.
Why are questions increasing due to FIFA’s silence?
A major cause of controversy is that FIFA has not yet publicly disclosed what the selection process for the Peace Prize was. Nor has the organization made it clear at what level the decision to give the award was taken. Critics say the lack of transparency has deepened the controversy.
Can pressure increase before the World Cup?
This dispute could create an uncomfortable situation for FIFA just before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. The close relationship between Infantino and Trump has been in the news before. In such a situation, this step taken by Norway can start a new debate in the politics of world football. Now all eyes are on the FIFA Ethics Committee to see what stance it takes on this complaint
