Norwegian royals receive World Cup balls from FIFA president in U.S.

Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus of Norway received gifts from FIFA President Gianni Infantino during an official visit to the United States. The royal siblings were each presented with a World Cup match ball.

The meeting occurred while the Norwegian national team was competing in the USA. The royal pair attended the team's important victory against Senegal during the group stage as part of their official duties. According to the Royal House's press department, their participation was in line with the protocol for such visits, which includes meeting representatives from FIFA, the organizing body of the World Cup.

The Royal House confirmed that the siblings received the match balls from Infantino. While the official Adidas match ball retails for 1749 Norwegian kroner, less expensive versions are available for around 300 kroner. The meeting itself was previously reported by Dagbladet.

Internal communications between the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accessed by E24, reveal discussions about potential gifts for high-level visitors. An email summary indicates that FIFA intended to provide gifts for such visits, with planning handled through protocol. FIFA also expressed a desire to know about planned high-level visits as early as possible to facilitate bilateral meetings at stadiums and arrange hospitality, including tickets, for visiting ministers.

E24 has attempted to obtain comments from the Prime Minister's office regarding whether Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre or other government representatives received gifts from FIFA, the nature of these gifts, and their value. As of the report's publication, no response had been received.

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Slottet bekrefter også overfor E24 at søskenparet mottok hver sin VM-ball av FIFA-president Gianni Infantino i gave.