Norway to donate Israel qualifier profits to Gaza aid

The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) announced it will donate all profits from its upcoming October 11 World Cup qualifier against Israel to humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza.

NFF President Lise Klaveness said the decision reflected the federation’s responsibility not to remain silent: “Neither we nor other organizations can remain indifferent to the humanitarian suffering and disproportionate attacks that the civilian population in Gaza has been subjected to for a long time. We want to donate the proceeds to a humanitarian organization that saves lives in Gaza every day and provides active emergency aid on the ground.”

Israel’s response

Reacting to the move, the Israeli Football Association urged Norway to ensure that proceeds do not go to “terrorist organizations or to whale hunting,” a remark referencing longstanding criticism of Norway’s whaling practices.

Security and logistics

The NFF confirmed it is working with UEFA and local police on security arrangements for the Oslo match, with capacity at Ullevaal Stadium expected to be reduced by around 3,000 seats for safety reasons. The stadium typically holds 26,000 spectators for national games.

Israel has been barred from hosting international matches since October 2023, playing its “home” fixtures abroad. Norway defeated Israel 4-2 in March in a qualifier staged in Hungary and currently leads the five-nation group.

Humanitarian crisis in Gaza

Since October 2023, Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza has killed more than 62,000 Palestinians, the majority women and children, according to local health authorities. The enclave faces severe shortages of food, water, fuel, and medical supplies, with the UN and aid groups repeatedly warning of famine and total collapse of Gaza’s health system.

The worsening situation has sparked growing responses from the international sports world, with athletes, fans, and federations increasingly voicing solidarity with Palestinians.