Norway supports ethics complaint against FIFA’s Infantino on World Cup eve | World Cup 2026 News
Norwegian Football Federation Calls for FIFA to Abolish Peace Prize
Published June 2, 2026
The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) is backing an official complaint against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, citing a violation of political neutrality. NFF President Lise Klaveness announced at a press conference on Tuesday that the federation’s letter of support has been formally submitted.
Ahead of the national team’s departure for the World Cup, Klaveness noted that this action has stirred political tensions within the global governing body of football.
Klaveness previously urged FIFA to discontinue the FIFA Peace Prize to safeguard its political neutrality. The organization has faced mounting criticism since awarding the inaugural prize to U.S. President Donald Trump during the World Cup draw in December.
The complaint originated from the human rights organization FairSquare, which filed it with FIFA’s ethics committee. The NFF is requesting an assessment of whether Infantino’s presentation of the award breached FIFA’s statutes concerning political neutrality.
“We have sent it, and it is causing some political reactions,” Klaveness said. “But it is sent, and that is checked off. We will follow up, push forward, request meetings, and build momentum on this as soon as the World Cup is over.”
Klaveness revealed that FIFA officials expressed concern regarding the NFF’s position during a meeting in Budapest over the weekend, held in conjunction with the Champions League final.
“There is no doubt that the letter is perceived as problematic when it comes from a member association,” Klaveness stated. “But it was a good meeting, and we had constructive discussions about why it is perceived as problematic and why it is important for Norway to support FairSquare in this matter.”
The NFF independently submitted the letter and is not seeking to pressure other member associations to join the complaint. “We have received support from other federations, but we are sending this letter alone,” Klaveness clarified.
Al Jazeera has reached out to FIFA for comment but has not yet received a response.
