Norway uses influence in football to push for 'Israel’s' suspension from FIFA

• Norway’s Football Federation is using UEFA and FIFA channels to push for sanctions against the ‘Israel’ Football Association.
• The campaign cites Gaza, alleged discrimination, and the precedent of Russia’s suspension after its invasion of Ukraine.

Norway is using its influence within European football to push for the suspension of ‘Israel’ from FIFA competitions, according to a report by Politico.

The campaign is being led by the Norwegian Football Federation and its president, Lise Klaveness, who has argued that sanctions should be pursued through football’s governing structures rather than through unilateral boycotts.

Klaveness, a lawyer and former Norway women’s national team player who serves on UEFA’s executive committee, has called for ‘Israel’ to be excluded from international competitions, saying football rules should be applied consistently.

“We believe ‘Israel’ should be suspended, and this is about upholding the rules,” Klaveness said ahead of Norway’s World Cup qualifier against ‘Israel’ in Oslo last year.

Norway did not boycott the match, arguing that withdrawing could have resulted in a win being awarded to ‘Israel’ and potentially strengthened its qualification chances. Norway won the match 5-0.

The Norwegian campaign has focused on the actions taken by FIFA and UEFA against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

Both football bodies suspended Russian national and club teams from international competitions, while ‘Israel’ has continued participating despite its military campaign in the Gaza Strip.

Klaveness and other supporters of sanctions argue that the different responses raise questions over whether football’s rules and human rights commitments are being applied equally.

The Palestinian Football Association formally renewed efforts to suspend the ‘Israel’ Football Association in 2024, citing alleged violations including attacks in Gaza, discrimination against Palestinian and Arab athletes, and the participation of clubs based in illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Human rights lawyers have also argued that the ‘Israel’ Football Association has breached FIFA regulations related to discrimination, human rights standards, and clubs operating in occupied Palestinian territory.

Norway’s efforts have helped move the issue beyond football associations in Arab and Asian regions and into European football discussions, according to Politico.

The campaign has also included public expressions of support for Palestinians. During Norway’s World Cup qualifier against ‘Israel’ in Oslo, the Norwegian Football Federation donated ticket revenue from the match to medical relief efforts in Gaza.

Fans displayed Palestinian flags and keffiyehs, while a stadium banner read: “Let Children Live.” Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the stadium calling for ‘Israel’s’ exclusion from international football.

In March, FIFA decided not to suspend the ‘Israel’ Football Association over clubs based in illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.

However, FIFA separately fined the association 150,000 Swiss francs, around $185,500, over breaches related to discrimination and offensive conduct.

The governing body also ordered the ‘Israel’ Football Association to introduce a mandatory prevention plan, including anti-discrimination education programs and monitoring measures, and required anti-discrimination banners to be displayed during matches.

The suspension campaign remains under discussion as Palestinian and European football officials continue pressing FIFA and UEFA to take further action.