Norway's Football Association to donate 'Israel' match profits to Gaza

The Norwegian Football Association (NFF) has defended its decision to donate profits from ticket sales of Saturday’s Group I qualifier against 'Israel' to support humanitarian efforts in Gaza, despite sharp criticism from 'Israeli' officials.

In August, the NFF announced that the funds would go to Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) to aid civilians affected by the war. The move drew immediate backlash from the Israeli Football Association (IFA), which said, “It would be nice if some of the amount were directed to try to find a condemnation by the Norwegian FA of the October 7 massacre that claimed the lives of hundreds of Israeli citizens and children.”

Speaking on Friday, NFF president Lise Klaveness emphasized the importance of open communication, even during times of heightened tension. “I always meet other football presidents before we play games. I’m very much into dialogue, and the more difficult it gets, the more important is that we meet, even if it’s difficult,” she said.

Her comments came just hours after 'Israel' ratified a ceasefire with Hamas, paving the way for a temporary halt in fighting and the release of 'Israeli' captives.

“We are, of course, extremely happy, on behalf of the involved parties in the whole world, that there is a ceasefire. Football is nothing compared to peace, and now the bombs can stop over Gaza, and that hostages can come home,” Klaveness said. “That’s very important, and I think it’s very important now that all of us, football leaders and leaders in all big organisations, now give this peace plan energy and momentum. We all know it’s a long way to sustainable peace, but it’s everyone’s responsibility to give it energy and momentum.”

Security around the match was heightened, with the NFF working closely with Oslo police. Klaveness, a former national team player, stressed that 'Israeli' fans should feel safe attending the match.

“They are warmly welcome, and nothing that we say or state should ever be interpreted as directed towards them or that we don’t feel sympathy for what they’ve gone through with this horrific trauma of October 7th 2023,” she said. “When we say something about condemning the attack on Gaza, it does not mean that we condemn the attack on their people any less.”