Featured Image Credit: Justin Setterfield / Staff via Getty
Topics: Erling Haaland, FIFA, Football, Football News, Norway, UEFA
James Taylor
Topics: Erling Haaland, FIFA, Football, Football News, Norway, UEFA
Erling Haaland has already made his stance clear on Israel and the nation's war against Gaza as the Norway prepare for their World Cup qualifier.
The Manchester City forward continued his impressive goalscoring form at the weekend, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Brentford.
His attention will now turn to international duty, with Norway facing Israel on Saturday afternoon in a crucial World Cup qualifier. Norway currently top Group I with a perfect record of 15 points from five games. Italy sit second with nine points and a game in hand, while Israel are in third with nine points.
Only the group winners qualify automatically for the World Cup, while second place advances to the play-offs. If Norway beat Israel, they will secure at least second place in the group and keep themselves in control of their World Cup fate.
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However, the fixture has added significance due to the controversy over Israel's involvement in UEFA competition.
There have been calls for Israel to be banned over the ongoing war in Gaza, which has killed more than 60,000 people, according to Gaza's health ministry.
And Haaland has previously made his position clear on the situation in the Middle East.
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Back in 2023, Haaland posted a photo on Instagram of himself walking out at the Etihad Stadium holding hands with two young mascots. The message from the Norwegian was clear.
He captioned the post: "No innocent child deserves to die."
There has been growing pressure within the football world for Israel to face sanctions.
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Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called for Israel to excluded from international competitions.
And one spokesperson for the Socialist Group in Spanish Congress Patxi Lopez even suggested that Spain could boycott the 2026 World Cup if Israel are allowed to compete.
However, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reiterated that the governing body is focused on promoting peace and unity.
He said: "FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems, but it can and must promote football around the world by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural and humanitarian values."
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FIFA's vice-president Victor Montagliani added: "First and foremost, [Israel] is a member of UEFA, no different than I have to deal with a member of my region for whatever reason. They have to deal with that."
Israeli teams have also continued to compete in European competitions.
Maccabi Tel Aviv are currently playing in the UEFA Europa League and will travel to Villa Park to face Aston Villa at the start of November.