The president of the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF), Lise Klaveness, has called on FIFA to investigate alleged human rights violations by Israel. This comes after Norway and Israel were drawn into the same group for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, with a scheduled match on 25 March.
Klaveness, echoing the Norwegian government’s stance, urged for a halt to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. She also emphasised the NFF’s advocacy for FIFA to take strong action, including potential sanctions against Israel.
Palestine’s call for FIFA action
In October, the Palestine Football Association (PFA) formally requested FIFA to suspend Israeli football over the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
According to the PFA, at least 92 amateur footballers have lost their lives in the war, the national league has been halted, and the Palestinian team has been forced to play abroad.
FIFA acknowledged the allegations and assigned its Governance, Audit, and Compliance Committee to investigate.
The committee’s task includes examining the participation of Israeli football teams allegedly operating in territories claimed by Palestine. However, no concrete updates have been provided on the progress or outcome of these investigations.
Norway’s position on FIFA and Israel
Lise Klaveness, who made history as the first woman to lead the Norwegian Football Federation, has been vocal on various global issues. In 2022, she criticised FIFA for awarding Qatar the World Cup and raised concerns about its intentions to give the 2034 event to Saudi Arabia.
Last week, when FIFA officially granted Saudi Arabia hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup, Norway openly opposed the decision, questioning FIFA’s selection process. Following the World Cup qualifiers draw with Israel, the NFF released a strong statement condemning the ongoing conflict.
“The draw is challenging for us, far beyond the sporting aspect,” the statement read. Klaveness highlighted Norway’s alignment with its government’s call for an immediate halt to attacks on Gaza’s civilians.
Norway is among the few European nations that officially recognise Palestine as a state. The NFF also underlined its decade-long partnership with Palestine, working on grassroots football development, particularly in schools and refugee camps.
Klaveness told the Norwegian press that their relationship with Palestine involved efforts to educate female coaches and provide children with football activities. This collaboration, she said, deepens Norway’s understanding of the region’s struggles and adds weight to its call for FIFA to intervene.
FIFA’s silence on intervention
While FIFA has stated that it will investigate allegations concerning Israel, the governing body has yet to take definitive action. There has been no clear timeline or update regarding potential sanctions or further measures.
In the past, FIFA has acted decisively in similar situations. For instance, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the national team and clubs were banned from international competitions.
In 2023, when Indonesia refused to host the FIFA U20 World Cup due to Israel’s participation, FIFA stripped the country of its hosting rights.
Support for Norway from Palestine
The Palestine Football Association expressed gratitude for Norway’s public support. In a statement, the PFA praised Norway’s recognition of the challenges faced by Palestinian civilians and athletes.
“President Klaveness’s remarks reflect the voices of millions who believe FIFA and the global football community cannot remain silent in the face of serious human rights violations,” the PFA said.
Norway’s call for FIFA intervention highlights growing concerns about the role of international football in addressing political and humanitarian issues. The outcome of this demand, however, remains uncertain as FIFA continues its deliberations.
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