The Norwegian Football Federation has put its name to a formal ethics complaint against FIFA president Gianni Infantino — and NFF president Lise Klaveness isn't pretending it won't cause a stir.
The complaint, originally filed in December by advocacy group FairSquare, targets four separate instances where Infantino publicly supported Donald Trump's actions and policies. It also asks FIFA's Ethics Committee to examine the decision to introduce a FIFA Peace Prize and award it to Trump on December 5 — a prize that materialized, conveniently, weeks after Trump failed to win the Nobel Peace Prize he'd been openly lobbying for.
Norway knew this would be uncomfortable
Klaveness confirmed the letter was sent ahead of Norway's pre-World Cup trip to the United States, and she didn't downplay the fallout. "There is no doubt that the letter is perceived as problematic when it comes from a member association," she said. FIFA officials were apparently informed at a meeting in Budapest during the UEFA Champions League Final weekend. "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."
The NFF sent the letter alone — deliberately, to avoid pressuring other federations into joining a politically charged action. That said, Klaveness noted other federations have privately offered support. Make of that what you will.
Infantino's relationship with Trump has been visible for some time: White House visits, Trump's inauguration, the America Business Forum in Miami, the inaugural Board of Peace meeting. The Peace Prize award was the moment it crossed a line for critics. Klaveness had already called for the prize to be abolished before Norway decided to formally back the complaint.
What happens after the World Cup
The timing matters here. Norway are heading to the United States for the World Cup, which puts the NFF in the awkward position of competing in a tournament hosted by a president their federation is essentially accusing their governing body of cozying up to improperly. Klaveness acknowledged this directly, saying they'll "follow up, push forward, request meetings, and build momentum on this as soon as the World Cup is over."
FIFA has not commented on the letter. The Ethics Committee complaint remains open. And Infantino, who once wrote that Trump showed "unwavering commitment to advancing peace and unity throughout the world," has shown no sign of walking anything back.
