The president of the Norwegian Football Federation has called on FIFA to investigate Israel’s human rights abuses, after the Scandinavian country were drawn with them in their World Cup qualifying group and face the Israelis on March 25.
NFF president Lise Klavenes echoed the Norwegian government’s stance, which calls for a complete end to the war in Gaza by Israel. Klevenes said the NFF was advocating for FIFA to ban Israel.
Palestine has demanded an investigation into Israel
In October, Reuters reported that the Palestinian Football Association had asked FIFA to suspend Israeli football based on the war in Gaza. FIFA said at the time that it would launch an investigation into the allegations made by the PFA.
“FIFA’s governance, audit and compliance committee will be tasked with investigating… the participation in Israeli competitions of Israeli football teams allegedly based in the territory of Palestine,” the ruling body said.
At least 92 non-professional footballers have died in the war, the Palestinian league has been suspended and the national team has had to play matches abroad, according to the PFA.
Why did Norway decide to join FIFA?
The president of the Norwegian Football Association, Lisa Klavenes, was a former footballer and the first woman to be elected as the association’s football president in Norway. In 2022, she flew to Qatar and spoke out against FIFA’s intention to host the World Cup in Qatar and award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia.
When FIFA awarded the right to host the World Cup to the Saudi kingdom last week, Norway made a point of protesting the decision and questioned the selection process planned by the premier footballing body. Now with Israel drawn in the same group as Norway, the NFF has come out with a statement.
“Outside of the purely sporting aspect, the draw is difficult for us. “None of us can remain indifferent to Israel’s prolonged and disproportionate attacks on the civilian population of Gaza,” Klevenes said in a statement. “The Norwegian Football Association stands with the Norwegian government in demanding an immediate end to the disproportionate attacks on innocent civilians in Gaza,” he added.
Norway is one of only three European countries that recognize Palestine as a country (besides Spain, Ireland). The Norwegian Football Federation has also cited these close ties and said that it has worked with Palestinian football in the past and helped build infrastructure in the state for the development of football.
“In addition, we are closer to the region and the Palestinian Football Federation than other European associations, because we have worked on the ground for more than ten years, educating female football coaches and creating football activities for children in schools and refugee camps,” Klevenes. Norwegian press said.
Has FIFA intervened?
FIFA has not yet intervened in the matter. There has been no update on when and if action will take place, saying its committees will investigate whether sanctions are necessary.
Are there examples of FIFA interference?
There are many examples of FIFA bans based on political conflicts between countries. In the last few years alone, FIFA has made two major calls. When Russia invaded Ukrainian territory, FIFA was quick to ban the national team and its clubs and ban the league from European competitions in 2022.
When Indonesia was supposed to host the FIFA U20 World Cup in 2023, but there was uncertainty over whether the country would allow Israel to play on its soil, FIFA banned the Southeast Asian nation from hosting the tournament.
Palestine FA’s response to Norwegian support
The Palestine Football Association praised the public support received from a European nation and said: “The PFA fully appreciates Norway’s recognition of the ongoing violations against Palestinian citizens and players, in line with its long-standing commitment to justice and integrity. of international sports,” the PFA statement read.
“President Klavenes’ statement echoes the sentiments of millions around the world who believe that FIFA and the international football community cannot stand idly by as serious violations of human rights continue.”
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