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Edition 2026-07-12

POLITICS

Norway Pushes to Suspend Israel from FIFA Amid World Cup Qualifiers

Norway has called for Israel's suspension from FIFA, according to the Palestinian Football Association, which submitted a request in 2024 citing alleged atrocities in Gaza, disc...

By politico · 105d ago · Source: politico

Full article

Norway has called for Israel's suspension from FIFA, according to the Palestinian Football Association, which submitted a request in 2024 citing alleged atrocities in Gaza, discrimination against Arab athletes, and the participation of clubs operating in West Bank settlements. The call follows Norway's statement that Israel's continued participation creates a double standard after Russia was excluded from the sport following its invasion of Ukraine. Norway, which last appeared at the World Cup in 1998, has a limited tournament history and has used its institutional standing to advance the issue rather than player activism. In October 2023 Norway and Israel met in Oslo for a qualifying match; the Norwegian Football Federation announced that ticket revenue would be donated to Gaza relief, and Palestinian symbols were displayed in the stadium while the Israeli anthem was booed by fans. Former player Lise Klaveness, a lawyer on UEFA's executive committee, has advocated for human rights and transparency in FIFA, raising concerns about LGBTQ+ safety and conditions in Qatar. Captain Martin Ødegaard said in early 2025 that the situation in Gaza is a background that cannot be ignored when playing Israel. Striker Erling Haaland referenced the conflict on social media in 2023 and participated in a 2025 video call with a freed Israeli hostage, though he has not taken a definitive public position. The Palestinian Football Association's request is supported by several Arab and Asian football bodies, while European federations such as Turkey have taken a position based on religious grounds, and Ireland has considered a resolution to expel Israel without implementing a boycott. FIFA has not indicated a timeline for review, and the outcome remains unresolved as qualifiers continue.

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Publisher
politico
Reliability
high
Published
7/12/2026, 10:00:20 AM
Retrieved
7/12/2026, 10:00:20 AM
Relevance
80%
Confidence
85%
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