Norway’s Football President Calls for Israel’s Exclusion from World Cup

MADRID, Spain — Lise Klaveness, the president of the Norwegian Football Federation, stated on Saturday that just as Russia is excluded from the World Cup, Israel should also be barred from the competition. Her comments came as the Israeli national team prepared to play against Norway at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo.

The match is set against a backdrop of escalating protests and statements against the violence in Gaza. Klaveness’ remarks align with the Norwegian government’s stance following Israel’s military actions that have resulted in significant civilian casualties.

Klaveness pledged to donate proceeds from the game to Doctors Without Borders, supporting their efforts in Gaza, where the Israeli military has reportedly killed close to 70,000 people. This announcement incited backlash from Israeli officials, including Moshe Zuares, who asserted that funds should be allocated to condemn the events of October 7, when hundreds of Israeli citizens, including many children, lost their lives.

Norway is currently leading Group I of the World Cup qualifying series with five victories, scoring 23 goals and conceding only three, allowing them a six-point lead over Italy and Israel. However, the injury to star player Martin Ødegaard could complicate their path to victory, which many hope will lead to their return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

The atmosphere in Oslo is expected to be hostile for the Israeli team, despite Klaveness extending an olive branch. “It is crucial to engage in dialogue, especially in challenging times,” she said in an interview.

As the Israeli government confirmed a ceasefire with Hamas, discussions between the two football federations seem to take on greater significance. Klaveness expressed hope for peace, stating, “We must all work together to promote this plan.”

She emphasized that welcome extends to Israeli fans, clarifying that “condemning the violence in Gaza does not mean we do not empathize with the trauma experienced by Israelis during the October 7 attacks.”

Norway was among the first EU countries to recognize the Palestinian state in 2024, prompting criticism from Israeli officials. Tensions in Oslo were heightened as pro-Palestinian demonstrations occurred, coinciding with recent threats to the Norwegian ambassador’s residence in Tel Aviv.