Norwegian Football Association president Lise Klaveness says draw of match against Israeli team goes beyond ‘purely sporting aspect.
He highligted concerns over ‘disproportionate attacks on innocent civilians in Gaza’ and Norway’s long-standing ties to the Palestinian Football Association.
The sporting world in Norway is buzzing after the national team was drawn to face Israel in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Beyond the match itself, the draw has sparked significant debate, with Norwegian Football Association president Lise Klaveness addressing the situation head-on:
The Norwegian Football Association stands with the Norwegian government in its demand for an immediate end to the disproportionate attacks on innocent civilians in Gaza,” said Klaveness.
She added, “The draw is difficult for us, beyond the purely sporting aspect. None of us can remain indifferent to the disproportionate attacks that Israel has inflicted on the civilian population of Gaza over a long period of time.”
