Norway Football Match Proceeds to Aid Gaza Through MSF

Oslo, Sep 16 (AP) Money generated from ticket sales for a Norway-Israel World Cup 2026 qualifying match in Oslo will be directed towards humanitarian efforts in Gaza through the organization Doctors Without Borders.

The Norwegian Football Association announced on Monday its collaboration with the Nobel Peace Prize-winning medical NGO prior to the sold-out match on October 11. This initiative is expected to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The funds will support the relief work of Doctors Without Borders in Gaza and nearby regions impacted by the ongoing conflict. Norway's decision to allocate soccer-generated funds for Palestinian aid follows increased tensions in Gaza, against a backdrop of continued participation by Israel in European soccer competitions, which has faced limited opposition regarding sanctions or boycotts.

The situation contrasts with that of Russia, which was suspended from international soccer after the widespread invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, due to widespread refusals to compete against Russian teams.

As part of FIFA and UEFA, Norwegian FA representative Lise Klaveness emphasized the organization's obligation to include Israel in competitions, while acknowledging the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and criticizing the disproportionate civilian impact.

Norway's political stance emerges as its men's national team shows significant potential, spearheaded by star striker Erling Haaland, and leading its qualifying group for the first World Cup spot since 1998, competing against teams like Italy.

Gabriele Gravina, Italy's soccer president, addressed the complexities of playing against Israel, considering the Italian public's sensitivity towards the Palestinian situation. Italy is set to host Israel on October 14 in Udine.

While the exact profit from around 23,000 ticket sales remains undisclosed, increased security measures will be implemented for the match.

Private Donor

An additional 3 million Norwegian kroner ($305,000) has been committed by one of the nation’s largest investment companies, whose identity is known to Doctors Without Borders, further supporting the humanitarian initiative.

Norwegian soccer holds a distinguished reputation for political engagement among FIFA’s 211 members, earning praise from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) for its humanitarian mission.

MSF secretary general Lindis Hurum highlighted the NGO's mission of saving lives and alleviating suffering, without discrimination based on beliefs, origin, orientation, gender, or skin color.

UEFA's Position

Both Klaveness and Gravina serve on UEFA’s 20-member executive committee alongside Moshe Zuares from the Israel Football Association.

Senior UEFA vice president Gravina expressed plans for the Italian federation to collaborate with UEFA on humanitarian initiatives, coinciding with the October match.

Last month in Udine, UEFA’s Super Cup game included pre-game banners advocating against the harm of children and civilians, reflecting UEFA’s stance on broader humanitarian issues.

While Italy failed to qualify for the previous two World Cups, choosing not to play against Israel would result in forfeiting the match, leading to a 3-0 defeat.

Gravina asserted, "Being in a group with Israel, opting not to play signifies forfeiting the opportunity to qualify for the World Cup, a reality we must acknowledge." (AP)

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