Norwegian FA to Donate Israel Match Revenue to Gaza, Sparks Israeli Fury
Lisa Klaveness, head of Norway’s football association and a longtime critic of Israel, announced that proceeds from October’s qualifier against Israel will go to emergency relief in Gaza. The Israeli FA hit back sharply: “Make sure the money doesn’t fund terror—or whale hunting.”
Twitter
The ongoing tensions between Norway’s football authorities and Israel have reached a new peak. On Wednesday, Norwegian Football Association (NFF) president Lisa Klaveness announced that revenue from the upcoming World Cup qualifier between Norway and Israel, scheduled for October 11, will be donated to humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza.
Klaveness, who has previously called for Israel to be suspended from international competitions, said her federation “cannot remain indifferent to the humanitarian suffering and disproportionate attacks on civilians in Gaza.” According to her statement, the proceeds will be directed to “life-saving emergency assistance for people in Gaza.”
The match, which could secure a place for Erling Haaland’s Norway at the 2026 World Cup, is expected to draw large attendance and significant revenue. But the decision has already sparked outrage in Tel Aviv.
In a sharply worded response, the Israel Football Association (IFA) said:
“We do not usually comment on how other federations choose to use their revenues, even when they are earned thanks to playing against our proud national team. This time, however, we will make an exception. It would be nice if some of the money went toward condemning the October 7 massacre that killed hundreds of Israeli civilians and children, or toward the release of 50 hostages. Please ensure the money does not go to terrorist organizations, or to whale hunting.”
The sarcastic reference to whaling alluded to Norway’s controversial support of commercial whaling, an issue that often sparks international criticism.
Adding fuel to the controversy, the NFF also announced it would allow fans to bring and display Palestinian flags inside the stadium during the October match. That decision appears to directly contradict UEFA’s regulations, which stipulate that only flags of the participating nations may be displayed, and that political messages are strictly prohibited in stadiums.
With the stakes high both on and off the pitch, the October clash between Israel and Norway now promises to be as politically charged as it is competitive.