Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick as Stale Solbakken’s side defeated Israel 5-0 on Saturday evening, but Norway could face punishment from FIFA for displaying a message ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Israel, who are now third in Group I and three points behind second-placed Italy.
Haaland, widely regarded as one of the world’s top strikers, continued his hot streak with three goals, while Israel’s Idan Nachmias and Anan Khalaili both scored own goals at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo. Norway regained first place in Group I after winning all six of their World Cup qualifying matches.
Despite their 5-0 triumph, Norway faces FIFA sanctions for violating a regulation ahead to their highly anticipated match against Israel, whom Eric Cantona says should not be allowed to compete due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. But why should Norway, which currently leads the standings, face punishment?
Group I: Current Standings
Position
Team
Played
Points
1.
Norway
6
18
2.
Italy
5
12
3.
Israel
6
9
4.
Estonia
6
3
5.
Moldova
5
0
Norway could face FIFA punishment for actions prior to the Israel clash.
Norway has consistently been in the forefront of the movement to ensure Israel’s ability to perform at the top level. With political tensions overshadowing the game, the Scandinavian team declared that the proceeds from their previous match would be donated to a “humanitarian cause” in Gaza.
This time around, months after their first meeting, which ended 4-2 with Haaland scoring only once, Solbakken’s fans delivered a clear message to FIFA. Approximately 1,000 pro-Palestinian protestors gathered at the Oslo Stadium before kickoff to wave flags and yell anti-Israeli slogans.
In addition, some Norway fans booed during the Israeli national anthem “Hatikvah” and raised Palestinian banners in the home stands.
Later in the five-goal thrashing, a pitch invader wearing a “Free Gaza” T-shirt was detained by security for safety reasons, but the message was clear: the Norwegians do not want Israel, a country led by Ran Ben Shimon, to be able to compete in football competitions, most notably the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA’s official rules, however, say that “political, ideological, offensive, or discriminatory slogans, banners, symbols, or acts” are not authorised inside stadiums. With the score at 5-0 and five minutes remaining, spectators could be heard screaming “Free Palestine”.
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As a result, Norway could face a large punishment, stadium closures, or even match forfeitures in the most severe circumstances. Serbia has been penalised twice before for using political chanting and banners.
Ahead of the five-goal performance in Oslo, The Telegraph reported that home fans had organised a march that began outside the Norwegian parliament. After hours of protesting, they made their way to the national stadium, where a smaller number of fans were permitted in.
Norway’s concerns follow FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s plea for football to endorse the Gaza peace plan. He commented on how the “first phase of a peace agreement is fantastic – a really great move for the world, for everyone.” When questioned in Udine, Infantino responded:
“Now that there is a cease-fire, everyone should be relieved and supportive of the process. It goes beyond football, yet it also contains football.
Spain, like Norway, has been uncompromising in its position towards Israel and its ability to compete as the war in Gaza continues. Government officials in Spain have stated that pulling La Roja from next summer’s international extravaganza is not out of the question if Israel is permitted to travel across the pond.
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