'We can't remain indifferent' - Norway to donate proceeds from sold out World Cup qualifying clash against Israel to Doctors Without Borders

The NFF released a statement on Monday to announce that the revenue generated from the sold out World Cup qualifying clash between Norway and Israel on October 11 at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo will be donated in its entirely to Doctors Without Borders (MSF). It's part of a joint initiative undertaken by the NFF and MSF, with the noble partnership recently coming to an end.

The NFF's efforts come on the back of the ongoing political conflict between Israel and Palestine. "We believe it is entirely justified to donate the ticket revenue to Doctors Without Borders, which is providing concrete emergency aid on the ground in Gaza," Klaveness, president of the NFF, said in the statement. "[This match] is being played in a context marked by grave humanitarian suffering and we will not and cannot remain indifferent to this."

In response to the announcement, Lindis Hurum, the secretary general of the Norwegian branch of MSF, said: “We are moved to see donors willing to make such a significant contribution to support our colleagues plunged into a brutal and desperate situation in Gaza, where they need all possible support, both financial and moral."

Coming to the on-field matters, Norway are on course to qualify for a World Cup after 28 years and only for only the fourth time in their history, after featuring in the 1938, 1994, and 1998 editions. Having missed out on qualification for Euro 2024, Erling Haaland and Co. are in imperious form. Indeed, the Rode, Hvite, and Bla have secured five wins from as many games, scoring a whopping 24 goals, 11 of which came in the recent hammering of Moldova.

Stale Solbakken's side will face Israel on October 11, followed by a friendly against New Zealand on October 14. Both games will take place at the Ullevaal Stadion.