The Norwegian Football Association (NFF) has formally called on FIFA to abolish its newly created peace prize, arguing that the global football governing body should steer clear of political involvement and leave such accolades to established institutions like the Nobel Institute. The demand comes after FIFA awarded its inaugural peace prize to former US President Donald Trump in December, during the draw for the 2026 World Cup.
Controversial Decision
The decision to grant the prize to Trump has been widely perceived as a consolation for his repeated public statements about deserving the Nobel Peace Prize. NFF President Lise Klaveness stated that the prize falls outside FIFA's mandate, emphasising that such awards are inherently political and require independent juries and criteria, which FIFA lacks the resources and mandate to manage effectively.
Political Risks Highlighted
Ms Klaveness further elaborated on the political risks, stressing the importance for football federations to maintain an arm's-length distance from state leaders. 'These prizes can challenge that distance and become highly political,' she said. The NFF board intends to send a letter supporting calls for an investigation into the prize's awarding, following allegations by the non-profit FairSquare that FIFA president Gianni Infantino may have breached ethical guidelines regarding political impartiality.
The controversy underscores ongoing tensions between FIFA's role in sport and its foray into political recognition. Critics argue that the peace prize undermines the credibility of established awards and risks politicising football governance.
