The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) has officially backed an ethics complaint against FIFA President Gianni Infantino over an alleged breach of political neutrality rules by presenting a "peace prize" to U.S. President Donald Trump during the 2026 World Cup draw in December 2025 [1, 2, 3].
The complaint was originally lodged by human rights group FairSquare with FIFA's ethics committee, objecting to Infantino's action at the World Cup draw event [1, 2, 3]. NFF President Lise Klaveness confirmed that the federation submitted a letter of support independently, without pressuring other member associations, although some other federations have expressed support [1, 2, 3]. "We have received support from other federations, but we are sending this letter alone," Klaveness said [2].
Klaveness said the letter has caused political friction, prompting reaction from FIFA officials. She revealed that FIFA representatives discussed the issue with NFF leaders during a meeting in Budapest the weekend before June 2, coinciding with the Champions League final [1, 2, 3]. "There is no doubt that the letter is perceived as problematic when it comes from a member association. 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," she said [3].
The NFF president added, "We have sent it, and it is causing some political reactions. 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" [1].
The sequence of events began in December 2025, when FIFA awarded the inaugural Peace Prize to U.S. President Donald Trump during the 2026 World Cup draw [1, 2, 3]. On June 2, 2026, the NFF publicly confirmed its backing of the complaint against Infantino [1, 2, 3]. The prior weekend, FIFA officials met with the NFF in Budapest to discuss the matter [1, 2, 3].
