Decision, Norway-Israel revenues will go to Gaza

2025-09-16 16:57:00, Sport CNA

On October 11, Norway will face Israel in Oslo, in a match that will be important for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The match, which will take place at the Ullevaal Stadium, is considered an important sporting challenge, but the focus is not only on football. The match comes at a sensitive moment, due to the conflict in the Middle East and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The Norwegian Football Association has decided to send a strong message of solidarity, announcing that all proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the organization "Doctors Without Borders". The funds will be used to support emergency interventions in Gaza and surrounding areas affected by the war.

The decision was announced publicly by the federation's president, Lise Klaveness, who stated that Norway, as part of FIFA and UEFA, has an obligation to play the match against Israel, but cannot remain indifferent to the humanitarian crisis. According to her, the initiative to donate the proceeds is a way to combine sporting obligation with sensitivity to the difficult situation that civilians are experiencing.

The move has also received support from partner organizations. Lindis Hurum, secretary general of Doctors Without Borders in Norway, called the initiative a major step, emphasizing that football has the ability to unite people even in the most difficult moments. According to her, the Norwegian federation's decision is in line with the organization's mission: to save lives and alleviate suffering, without religious, ethnic or social differences.

The initiative has also been positively received by Norwegian business sectors. One of the largest investment groups in the country has decided to support the cause, donating 3 million kroner, around 260 thousand euros, beyond ticket revenue. The company has chosen to remain anonymous, emphasizing that the contribution is aimed solely at humanitarian aid. This is not the first time that various Norwegian structures have provided support for projects related to Gaza. In the past, over 500 thousand kroner have been donated to sports programs for Palestinian children, in cooperation with the Palestine Football Federation.

Thanks to this initiative, it is expected that the Oslo stadium will be filled with fans who will not only watch a football match, but will also become part of a message of solidarity. Norway-Israel, beyond its sporting value and importance in the ranking for the 2026 World Cup, will be a challenge that goes beyond the boundaries of the green field, becoming an event with a humanitarian impact.