FIFA Peace Prize to Donald Trump Draws Formal Challenge from Norway

In December 2025, FIFA President Gianni Infantino awarded U.S. President Donald Trump a newly created FIFA Peace Prize during a ceremony in Washington ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The award, which includes a trophy, medal and certificate, was presented as recognition of Trump’s alleged promotion of peace.

The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF), led by President Lise Klaveness, sent a formal letter to FIFA questioning the legitimacy of the prize. The NFF, supported by the human‑rights group FairSquare, argues that the award breaches FIFA’s political‑neutrality rules and its ethical code. Klaveness said the letter “has provoked some political reactions, but the step is completed and we will follow the case after the World Cup.”

Critics note the award highlights FIFA’s increasingly politicised stance, recalling past controversies involving Russia, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Trump’s recent foreign‑policy actions—including the deployment of U.S. special forces to Venezuela and heightened tensions with Iran—have amplified concerns that the peace prize politicises the upcoming tournament jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.