Norway asks FIFA to investigate Israel ahead of World Cup match

(CLO) President of the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF), Lise Klaveness, has called on FIFA to investigate Israel for human rights violations ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifying match between the two teams.

According to NRK, Ms. Klaveness said that the NFF supports the Norwegian government 's call to end the Israel-Hamas war and stop attacks on Gaza civilians. She also expressed support for FIFA in imposing sanctions on Israel.

"Apart from the sporting aspect, this is an extremely difficult issue for us," said Ms Klaveness. "None of us can remain indifferent to the disproportionate attacks that Israel has carried out against Gazan civilians over the past period."

Protests demand FIFA suspend Israel's membership. Photo: GI

Last week, FIFA announced the 2026 World Cup qualifying groups, with the Norway-Israel match scheduled for March 2025. All qualifying matches will conclude in November, with the winners qualifying for the World Cup in North America.

Norway's move comes after FIFA said in October that it would not suspend Israel, but would investigate allegations of discrimination against Palestinian football players and officials.

Ms. Klaveness also emphasized that the NFF has maintained a close relationship with the Palestine Football Federation for over a decade, training female football coaches and organizing football activities for children in schools and refugee camps in the area.

Despite the controversy, Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken believes the match will still go ahead, possibly on neutral ground. "There will be a lot of discussion, but we are not afraid of facing Israel. It will definitely be the main topic, and that is necessary, given what has happened in that region," he said.

The Palestine Football Association (PFA) welcomed Ms Klaveness' stance, expressing appreciation for Norway speaking out about ongoing violations against Palestinian civilians and athletes.

"President Klaveness's comments reflect the feelings of millions of people around the world who believe that FIFA and the international football community cannot stand idly by while serious human rights violations continue," the PFA said in a statement.

The PFA also condemned Israel's actions, saying that Israel was targeting Palestinian sports activities, athletes and infrastructure, in violation of FIFA regulations and international humanitarian law.

Ngoc Anh (according to JP, NRK)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/na-uy-yeu-cau-fifa-dieu-tra-israel-ve-nhan-quyen-truoc-tran-dau-tai-world-cup-post326639.html