Israel FA hits back at Norway over Gaza support during World Cup qualifier

 A diplomatic dispute has erupted between Israel and Norway following the Norwegian Football Federation's decision to channel proceeds from their October World Cup qualifying match to humanitarian efforts in Gaza.

The Norwegian FA revealed that earnings from the fixture in Oslo would support emergency relief organisations operating in the Palestinian territory.

Israel's Football Association responded sharply within 24 hours, issuing a statement that cautioned against funds reaching "terrorist organisations" whilst unexpectedly referencing whale hunting.

PA

Norway's FA will donate all of their match revenue to humanitarian work in Gaza

The controversy centres on Norway's pledge to direct match revenues towards what they describe as life-saving humanitarian work in Gaza, where the ongoing conflict has created severe civilian hardship.

The Israeli FA's statement declared: "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."

The organisation suggested Norway should direct funds towards condemning the Hamas attacks of 7 October that resulted in hundreds of Israeli deaths, or supporting efforts to free 50 hostages.

The statement concluded: "Please, make sure that the money is not transferred to terrorist organisations or to whale hunting."

An Israeli FA representative confirmed their team remains focused on securing victory in the October encounter.

Lise Klaveness, the Norwegian FA president, defended the initiative by stating: "Neither we nor other organisations can have an indifferent attitude to the humanitarian suffering and the disproportionate attacks that the civilian population in Gaza has been subjected to for a long time."

The former international footballer and lawyer acknowledged Israel's participation in FIFA and UEFA competitions whilst maintaining Norway's position.

"Israel is part of FIFA's and UEFA's competitions and we must deal with that. But we want to give the profits to a humanitarian organisation that saves lives in Gaza every day and that contributes with active emergency aid on the ground," Klaveness explained.

The October clash forms part of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, with Norway currently leading Group H after winning all four matches whilst Israel sits second with six points from three games.

PA

Israel jibed Norway over whale hunting in a statement

Ticket sales for the Oslo fixture open on 25 August, with the Norwegian FA acknowledging enhanced security measures to protect players and spectators.

The federation maintains confidence that their humanitarian gesture complies with UEFA regulations despite rules prohibiting political messaging at matches.

This stance follows UEFA's own display of a "Stop Killing Children – Stop Killing Civilians" banner before last week's Super Cup, which featured two Gazan refugee children in the medal ceremony.