FIFA chief Infantino’s ‘abuse of power’ questioned by Norway in complaints

What the report says

Norway’s football federation has filed formal complaints against FIFA president Gianni Infantino, asking FIFA’s Ethics Committee and its Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee to review whether his actions breached ethics rules or exposed weaknesses in FIFA’s oversight. The complaints, reported by Al Jazeera on 6 October 2026, center on three episodes: Infantino’s abandoned plan to let private investors buy into a FIFA-linked enterprise, FIFA’s intervention to lift a suspension for U.S. player Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup, and FIFA’s Peace Prize presentation to U.S. President Donald Trump.

Norwegian federation president Lise Klaveness said Trump was a common thread linking the cases and argued they raise questions about transparency, political neutrality and whether FIFA’s president has exercised too much unilateral authority. According to the report, the investment plan drew criticism because of concerns over a possible conflict of interest, while the Balogun decision became controversial after Trump was said to have intervened by calling Infantino. The Peace Prize award to Trump was also widely criticized.

The complaints add to broader scrutiny of Infantino, who has been FIFA president since 2016 and says he will seek re-election next year. The article notes that other football leaders, including UEFA officials, have been openly critical of him, and that FIFA has accused UEFA of running a misinformation campaign. The case matters because it touches on FIFA governance, presidential power and the organization’s political neutrality at a time when its leadership is again under pressure.