Norway’s Football Association announced Monday that all ticket revenue from the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Israel will be donated to Doctors Without Borders for humanitarian aid in Gaza.
The match, scheduled for Oct. 11 at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo, has already sold out its 23,000 tickets. The game is expected to generate several hundred thousand dollars in profit, all of which will be donated to support civilians in Gaza. One of Norway’s largest investment firms has also pledged an additional $300,000 toward the initiative.
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Israeli national soccer team facing Norway in World Cup qualifier in March
(Photo: REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo)
“As a member of FIFA and UEFA, Norway has to deal with Israel participating in their competitions,” association president Lise Klaveness said at a press conference. "At the same time, we cannot and will not be indifferent to the humanitarian suffering that is taking place in the region, especially the disproportionate attacks against civilians in Gaza.
Norway first announced the donation plan last month. In response, the Israel Football Association issued a pointed statement, saying, “We do not usually advise associations regarding the use of match revenue, even if it is obtained thanks to a match against our proud national team, but we will deviate from our custom this time: it would be nice if some of the amount were directed to try to finding a condemnation by the Norwegian FA of the October 7 massacre that claimed the lives of hundreds of Israeli citizens and children, or action in favour of the release of 50 hostages – and please, make sure that the money is not transferred to terrorist organisations or to whale hunting."
The two teams last met in March in Hungary, where Norway won 4–2. Ahead of that match, several Norwegian players spoke out against Israel. Goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland said, “We deeply regret what is happening in Gaza. This is a very great tragedy. The political situation is complex and difficult, and it is obviously especially sad for the people living in Palestine.”