FIFA has fined the Norwegian and Italian football federations due to fan incidents during World Cup qualifying matches against Israel last month.
FIFA stated that both federations faced charges related
to disturbances during national anthems, spectators invading the field, and security issues at the games. A document listing World Cup disciplinary cases was released late Thursday.
The individual who entered the field during Norway’s 5-0 win over Israel has a history of disrupting international football matches over the last 20 years, including at the men’s World Cup finals.
The FIFA charges did not concern the Palestinian flags, some bearing slogans, displayed at the matches in Oslo and Udine, Italy.
FIFA announced fines of 12,500 Swiss francs for the Italian federation and 10,000 Swiss francs for Norway.
Italy’s match against Israel was preceded by a large pro-Palestinian demonstration that ended with a small group clashing with police. The demonstration began with a peaceful march in which at least 10,000 people protested against the match taking place.
Police used a water cannon and tear gas against protesters in the streets of Udine, leading to a violent conclusion of weeks of tension surrounding a match that held more significance for many than just the three points on the table.
The Gaza ceasefire deal signed earlier did not quell demands for a sporting boycott of Israel following a two-year military offensive in the Gaza Strip that has killed more than 67,869 Palestinians.
Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip was triggered by the Palestinian militant group Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Only 10,000 fans attended the match at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine, with only about a hundred supporting Israel.
