Norwegian Football Federation donates match earnings against Israel to Gaza aid

The Norwegian Football Federation has announced that all proceeds from its recent football match against Israel will be donated to Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières) to support humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza.

According to reports, corporate sponsors have also joined the initiative, pledging an additional USD 350,000 in donations.

For years, several Norwegian football officials and fans have criticized Israel’s participation in the World Cup, and they described this match as an opportunity to reinforce their stance through a humanitarian gesture.

Norway first announced the donation plan last month. In response, the Israel Football Association issued a pointed statement, saying, “We do not usually advise associations regarding the use of match revenue, even if it is obtained thanks to a match against our proud national team, but we will deviate from our custom this time: it would be nice if some of the amount were directed to try to finding a condemnation by the Norwegian FA of the October 7 massacre that claimed the lives of hundreds of Israeli citizens and children, or action in favour of the release of 50 hostages – and please, make sure that the money is not transferred to terrorist organisations or to whale hunting."