The talismanic Erling Haaland bagged a hat-trick as Stale Solbakken's side beat Israel in a 5-0 thumping on Saturday evening, but Norway could face punishment from FIFA after displaying a message ahead of their World Cup qualifier clash with Israel, who now sit third in Group I and are three points behind second-placed Italy.
Haaland, widely regarded as one of the best strikers in world football, continued his red-hot form with a trio of strikes while Israel duo Idan Nachmias and Anan Khalaili both notched own goals at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo. Having won all six of their matches in World Cup qualifying, Norway retained their spot atop of Group I.
Despite the glory of their 5-0 victory, Norway have run the risk of facing FIFA punishment after breaching a rule prior to their highly-anticipated encounter against Israel, who Eric Cantona believes shouldn't be allowed to compete because of the ongoing war in Gaza. But why are table-topping Norway potentially going to be punished?
Norway Could Face FIFA Punishment For Actions Prior to Israel Clash
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Of the nations that have been vocal about Israel being able to perform at the highest level, Norway have always been at the front and centre of the movement. The side from Scandinavia, with political tensions overshadowing the fixture, announced they would donate profits from their previous clash to a "humanitarian cause" in Gaza.
This time around – months after their first meeting, which finished 4-2 with Haaland scoring just once – supporters of Solbakken's men sent a clear message to FIFA. Around 1,000 pro-Palestinian protestors combined forces ahead of kick-off at the Oslo Stadium to wave their flags and chant against Israel.
Alongside that, sections of the Norway fans booed during "Hatikvah" – the Israeli national anthem – and displayed Palestinian flags in the home stands.
Later in the five-goal drubbing, a pitch invader sporting a "Free Gaza" T-shirt was detained by security for safety reasons – but the message was clear: the Norwegians are not in favour of Israel, a nation managed by Ran Ben Shimon, being able to compete in footballing competition, most notably the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA's set-in-stone regulations, however, state that "political, ideological, offensive or discriminatory slogans, banners, symbols or acts" are not permitted inside stadiums.
As a result, Norway could be punished with a hefty fine, stadium closures or even match forfeits in the most extreme cases. In the past, on two separate occasions, Serbia have been fined for their use political chants and banners.
Alongside Norway, Spain have also been defiant in their stance towards Israel and their ability to compete as the war in Gaza continues. Government officials from Spain have suggested that withdrawing La Roja from next summer's international showpiece is not off the cards if Israel are allowed to also make the trip across the pond.