Norway to donate Israel match proceeds to Gaza aid

The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) has announced that proceeds from their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Israel will be donated to the NGO Doctors Without Borders. This organisation, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999, provides humanitarian aid in Gaza, Palestine.

Norway will host Israel in Oslo on 11 October as part of the Group 'I' fixtures in the European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Doctors Without Borders provides emergency medical assistance in over 70 countries affected by war, natural disasters, and epidemics. The NFF confirmed yesterday that they would be collaborating with this independent humanitarian organisation.

On 7 October 2023, Palestinian resistance group Hamas launched an attack on Israeli territory. In response, Israel carried out military operations in Gaza, and according to the local health ministry, more than 60,000 people have been killed in the region.

NFF President Lise Klaveness said in a statement, "For the first time in 26 years, our men's team has the opportunity to qualify for an international championship. At the same time, this match is being played during a period of devastating humanitarian crisis in the Middle East… We cannot and will not remain indifferent to the humanitarian disaster unfolding in the region, particularly the attacks on civilians in Gaza."

She added, "We want to donate the proceeds to an organisation that saves lives and delivers emergency aid in Gaza every day. That's exactly what Doctors Without Borders does."

Following the NFF's announcement, one of Norway's largest investment firms has pledged to donate $305,000 to Gaza through the same NGO. The firm has chosen to remain anonymous.

Last month, the Norwegian FA had already declared its intention to support civilians affected by Israel's attacks in Palestine. NFF President Klaveness had earlier urged FIFA to investigate how Israel continues to participate in World Cup qualifiers despite launching military operations in Gaza. She stated, "Football should not be used in a way that undermines internationally recognised rights and established legal standards."

The NFF has also supported a football project for children in Gaza and started long-term collaborations with schools and refugee camps in Palestine.

According to the Associated Press, all 23,000 tickets for the Norway–Israel match at Oslo's Ullevaal Stadium have already been sold. However, it is not yet known how much profit the NFF will generate from the ticket sales. The stadium has a seating capacity of over 35,000. Due to the sensitive nature of the fixture, heightened security measures will be in place.

Norway currently leads Group 'I' with 15 points from 5 matches, followed by Italy with 9 points from 4 games. Israel also have 9 points from 5 matches and sit in third place. This campaign marks Norway's best chance to qualify for a World Cup since 1998.