A sporting event between Norway and Israel does not normally ignite political flares. The two do not share a border, or harbour historical animosity or fractious diplomatic ties. Yet, when they meet in the World Cup qualifying tie on Saturday at the Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo, there would be an extra layer of antagonism as well as security.
The Norwegian Football Federation has been vocally protesting against Israel for the conflict with Palestine, despite a ceasefire deal was agreed between Israel and Hamas on Thursday. The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) president Lise Klaveness had stated in August that all the revenue from the game would be set aside for emergency aid in Gaza. “We cannot remain indifferent to the suffering and the disproportionate attacks endured by civilians,” Klaveness, a former national midfielder and lawyer, Klaveness known for her fearless stance on ethics in sport, said last August.
The NFF soon struck a partnership with Medecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), pledging all match revenues to emergency medical relief in Gaza. A major Norwegian investment firm soon added 3 million kroner ($305,000), raising the total potential donation above 5 million. Israel, though, condemned the move as “politicising sport,” . “Personally, I believe that since Russia is out, Israel should also be out,” Klaveness said on the Norwegian podcast Pop and Politics.
“There is no doubt that the match against Israel is challenging, given the tragic humanitarian suffering in Gaza and the deep conflicts in the Middle East,” the NFF said in a statement.
Norway’s Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Store, too has been a vocal critic of Israel. “The situation in Gaza is catastrophic,” he told the UN summit last month. “Norway will continue to support the Palestinian government through funds we are mobilising.” With Norway’s protests mounting, diplomats working in Israel on Palestinian Authority affairs had their accreditation revoked last August, the New York Times reported. Israel Katz, Israel’s minister for defence, wrote on X that “Norway chose to reward Hamas murderers and rapists by recognising a Palestinian state”. Norway’s ambassador to Israel, Per Egil Selvaag, had a grenade thrown at his residence in Tel Aviv in June.
The Israel Football Association too exception on their Norway counterpart’s gesture to donate the game’s proceeds to medical aid in Gaza. “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. Please, make sure that the money is not transferred to terrorist organisations or to whale hunting,” it said in a statement.
However, the Norway government would ensure fool-proof security for both teams, Reuters reported. No fan zone will be set up, with the capacity reduced to about 3,000 and the roads around the Ullevaal closed off several hours before kick-off/ A protest in Oslo has been announced by the Norwegian Palestine Committee to coincide with the match. “We have done, and will continue to do, a great deal to ensure safe conditions,” NFF General Secretary Karl-Petter Loeken told reporters.
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The NFF has issued guidelines for fans attending the match. “Small Palestinian flags will not be banned. But we urge spectators to be respectful and ensure safe match organisation. We primarily encourage fans to bring Norwegian flags and cheer for Norway in this important World Cup qualifier. This is a football match, not a political demonstration,” the NFF statement said.
Powered by Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Norway has been in inspired form, sitting atop the league table after winning all five games so far. Israel are third, level on points with Italy, who though have played a game fewer.
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