Norway to Donate World Cup Qualifier Profits to Doctors Without Borders,Sparks Israeli football Association Criticism
Oslo,Norway – The Norwegian Football Association (NFF) announced today that all profits from next month’s crucial World Cup qualifier against israel will be donated to Doctors Without Borders (MSF),a decision that has drawn criticism from the Israeli Football Association.
NFF President Lise Klaveness revealed the decision at a press conference held at Ullevaal Stadium on Monday,emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the current humanitarian crisis. “The match is played in a time and with a backdrop characterized by astonishing humanitarian disorders. We can’t be indifferent to it,” Klaveness stated.
The move has been positively received by the Palestinian Football Association, according to Klaveness. However, the Israeli Football Association expressed their dissatisfaction, previously stating to The Telegraph in August that it “would have been nice” if the NFF had also condemned Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7th.They also requested assurances that the funds would not be diverted to “terrorist organizations or to whaling.”
Klaveness acknowledged the Israeli response, stating, “Just what was in the media. They were out and dissatisfied.”
The upcoming qualifier carries significant weight for both teams as they vie for a spot in future international competitions. Despite the political complexities surrounding the match, the NFF remains committed to supporting humanitarian efforts through the donation to MSF.
“It will take energy from the players who are unnecessary,” Klaveness added, hinting at the challenging circumstances surrounding the fixture.
Keywords: Norway, Israel, Football, World Cup Qualifier, Doctors Without Borders, MSF, Lise Klaveness, Humanitarian Aid, palestinian Football association, Israeli Football Association, Gaza, Ullevaal Stadium.