Norwegian federation urges FIFA ethics review of Trump prize

The Norwegian Football Federation has formally requested that FIFA’s ethics committee investigate the awarding of its inaugural peace prize to U.S. President Donald Trump, alleging the act breached the global governing body’s rules on political neutrality. The complaint centers on FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s decision to present the award to Trump during the World Cup draw ceremony on December 6.

The Norwegian federation, known as the NFF, is backing an existing complaint filed last December by the human rights organization FairSquare. That complaint argues that bestowing such an award on a sitting political leader constitutes a clear violation of FIFA’s duty of neutrality. The NFF has submitted a letter of support to the FIFA ethics committee, an action its president, Lise Klaveness, acknowledged has triggered political friction within the organization.

"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." She stated the federation would wait until after the tournament concludes on July 19 to...