The Norwegian Football Federation said Tuesday it will donate proceeds from Norway’s World Cup qualifier against Israel in Oslo to humanitarian aid in Gaza.
In response to questions from foreign media, the Israel Football Association issued a pointed statement: “We usually do not advise federations on how to use income from matches, even if it comes thanks to playing against our proud national team. But we will make an exception this time — it would be nice if some of the money went toward securing a condemnation from the Norwegian federation of the October 7 massacre that claimed the lives of hundreds of Israeli civilians and children, or toward the release of 50 hostages. Please ensure the funds are not transferred to terror organizations or whale hunters.”
Lise Klaveness, president of the Norwegian federation and a former lawyer and national team player, announced the donation while condemning what she called “humanitarian suffering” in Gaza and “disproportionate attacks.” She has long been an outspoken critic of human rights abuses in Qatar and Saudi Arabia before they were awarded World Cup hosting rights.
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Israel's national team versus Norwegian national team
(Photo: Bernadett Szabo/Reuters)
The federation confirmed that ticket revenue from the Oct. 11 qualifier in Oslo, part of the seventh round of World Cup qualifying, would go to “emergency relief organizations.” Pre-sale begins Aug. 25. Officials stressed that security measures are in place to protect players and fans.
“Neither we nor other organizations can remain indifferent to the humanitarian suffering and disproportionate attacks that Gaza’s civilian population has endured for a long time," Klaveness said in a statement. "Israel is part of FIFA and UEFA competitions, and we must face that. But we want to direct the revenue to a humanitarian organization that saves lives in Gaza every day and provides emergency aid on the ground.”
The Norwegian federation maintains it is not violating UEFA rules, which prohibit political messaging at matches. The two teams last met in March, when Israel hosted in Debrecen and lost 4–2. Norway tops Group 9 with 12 points from four games, while Israel sits second with six points from three.
The announcement comes days after UEFA displayed a large banner at the European Super Cup in Udine, Italy, reading: “Stop killing children — stop killing civilians.” The sign was placed on the field before players from Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain during the opening ceremony. Two child refugees from Gaza also joined UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin at the medal ceremony, shortly after Liverpool star Mohamed Salah responded to a UEFA tribute post honoring the late Palestinian player Suleiman Al-Obeid, writing on X: “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?”