The Israel Football Association released a forceful statement following Norway’s announcement that proceeds from the nations’ upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifier would be donated to “a humanitarian cause” in Gaza. The two sides will meet in Oslo on October 11, with political concerns overshadowing what is already a critical Group I fixture.
Norway now leads the group after winning all four matches, while Israel trails in second with six points from three games. Italy, the group favourites, are three points back in third place but have two games in hand on the leaders, thus the outcome of this match could be decisive in determining who qualifies automatically for the 2026 World Cup.
The decision by Norwegian Football Association president Lise Klaveness, who stated, “Neither we nor other organisations can have an indifferent attitude to the humanitarian suffering and disproportionate attacks that the civilian population in Gaza has been subjected to for a long time,” has sparked outrage among their opponents.
Israel’s Strong Statement Following Norway’s Humanitarian Decision
Klaveness stated, “Israel competes in FIFA and UEFA competitions, and we must deal with it. But we want to donate the earnings to a humanitarian agency that saves lives in Gaza every day and provides active emergency relief on the ground.” However, the Israel Football Association has sent a stinging response to The Telegraph.
“We do not usually advise associations regarding the use of match revenue,” said the announcement, “even if it is obtained thanks to a match against our proud national team, but we will deviate from our custom this time.”
“It would be nice if some of the money was 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, or action in favor of the release of 50 hostages – and please ensure that the money is not transferred to terrorist organizations or whale hunting. We also want to gain three points.”
While the 2026 World Cup qualifiers have only just begun in Europe, they are practically finished in Asia. Palestine, with the majority of its players now playing for clubs abroad due to a lack of domestic league activity, advanced to the third round but ended fifth in their six-team group after ten matches. Only the top four teams from each group advanced, leaving the bottom two out of the competition.
Their journey ended in misery with a 1-1 draw against Oman in their final match, decided by a contentious injury-time penalty that eliminated Palestine and advanced Oman to the next round. Despite losing out, the team’s journey was a great success. Palestine’s effort, which reached the third round of AFC qualifications for the first time, drew international praise, and their focus now goes to the 2027 Asian Cup.
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