According to Klaveness, the FIFA Peace Award, presented to former President Trump in 12/2025, violated the world football governing body's rules on political neutrality.

"The FIFA Peace Award, presented at the World Cup 2026 draw ceremony in Washington, US, represents a violation of FIFA's own statutes on political neutrality and highlights shortcomings in the organization's internal legal processes," the British newspaper The Times quoted Klaveness on 27/4. "We want this award to be revoked. We do not believe that granting such an award falls within FIFA's authority. The Nobel Institute already handles such work independently."

Former US President Donald Trump (left) receiving the FIFA Peace Award from FIFA President Gianni Infantino in 12/2025. *Photo: NRK*

The presentation of this peace award faced widespread ridicule aimed at FIFA, particularly amid the subsequent US conflict with Iran. However, to date, the Norwegian Football Federation has been the only entity to publicly voice its concerns.

Klaveness emphasized the importance of maintaining independence from national leaders. "It is important for member associations, continental confederations, and FIFA itself to avoid events that erode the necessary independent distance from national leaders," she said. "These types of awards are often political if you lack the proper tools, experience, and empirical processes to ensure independence, along with a clear jury and criteria. It is a specialized and sensitive task."

FIFA announced the award in 11/2025 without prior approval from the FIFA Council, stating its purpose was to "honor individuals whose actions have contributed significantly to peace and human solidarity." However, the timing of the announcement and the close relationship between Infantino and Trump led many to believe it was a "consolation prize" after the former US President missed out on the Nobel Peace Prize.

Norwegian Football Federation President Lise Klaveness believes FIFA should not have the authority to present peace awards. *Photo: Eurasia Sport Images*

Klaveness confirmed that the NFF supports the complaint submitted by the Fair Square campaign group to the FIFA Ethics Committee regarding this award. The NFF will also send a formal letter to FIFA, demanding the body handle the matter transparently. "From the perspective of resources, authority, and most importantly, governance, this award should be abolished in the future. We have voiced our opposition to the violation of political neutrality rules. This is the aspect we want the Ethics Committee to assess," the NFF President affirmed.

According to the British newspaper The Times, FIFA did not disclose the nominees, and a spokesperson for the body declined to identify who selected the winner. The FIFA Ethics Committee has now been asked to investigate Infantino for "repeated violations" of political neutrality rules.

Despite the criticism, Infantino defended his decision, stating on British television channel Sky News in 2/2026 that former President Trump "objectively deserved the award" for his efforts in resolving conflicts and saving thousands of lives.

Klaveness has often criticized FIFA. In Doha, Qatar, in 2022, she delivered a candid speech, stating that FIFA had "a long way to go" to address human rights, equality, and democracy concerns. However, she does not plan to make a similar speech at the upcoming FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada.

ICE agents will join the World Cup security forces but are facing opposition in the US. *Photo: Reuters*

Furthermore, Klaveness also expressed concerns about security issues at the World Cup 2026, particularly at the venues for the biggest football event on US soil. US officials stated that ICE agents would be part of the tournament's security force. However, the 45-year-old leader fears they might target fans and plans to raise this issue with the FIFA leadership at the Congress in Vancouver. "The World Cup must be inclusive and safe for everyone, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, or sexual orientation," she declared.

Hoang Thong compiled