Norwegian Football Association president Lise Klaveness has called on FIFA to withdraw the peace award given to Donald Trump during the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington DC last December, arguing the decision risks political neutrality in football governance.
Klaveness set out a clear institutional objection. She said, “We want FIFA to cancel this peace award. We do not think giving such awards falls within FIFA’s responsibilities.” Her position directly challenges FIFA’s expansion into symbolic recognition, which she views as outside its regulatory mandate.
She pointed to governance concerns. She said, “The Nobel Institute exists to carry out this work independently.” That comparison highlights a structural gap, as FIFA lacks an established framework, jury, or criteria to justify such awards.
Klaveness stressed the importance of institutional distance. She said, “Football federations, confederations and FIFA must maintain a neutral distance from political leaders.” That statement reflects a long-standing principle in global sport, where governing bodies seek to avoid alignment with state actors.
She warned about the nature of such awards. She said, “These types of awards become highly political unless they are managed independently with proper structures, juries and criteria.” This criticism suggests the issue lies not only in the recipient but in the absence of process and oversight.
Klaveness also addressed governance capacity. She said, “This is a full-time and highly sensitive responsibility.” That view implies FIFA lacks both the operational focus and institutional safeguards required to administer such recognition credibly.
She expanded on accountability. She said, “There must be proper scrutiny, and the complaint should be investigated within a transparent timeframe with clear reasoning.” That demand places pressure on FIFA to respond formally rather than treat the criticism as external opinion.
FIFA awarded the prize during the World Cup draw event at the John F. Kennedy Center, where president Gianni Infantino presented it to Trump. The decision has drawn criticism, with some observers describing it as a symbolic gesture linked to Trump’s previous claims about the Nobel Peace Prize.
Klaveness now plans to formalise her position through direct communication with FIFA.
