March 25 – The Norwegian squad wore T-shirts to express concern about 2022 World Cup host Qatar’s human rights record ahead of their qualifying match against Gibraltar on Wednesday.
The shirts carried the message ‘human rights – on and off the pitch’ as the team was warming up for the game.
Norway have one of their best chances of recent years to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1998 but there have been discussions in the country over a potential boycott of the competition, with Norwegian club Tromso leading the calls.
“It’s about putting pressure on FIFA to be even more direct, even firmer with the authorities in Qatar, to impose stricter requirements,” Norway coach Stale Solbakken had said ahead of the Gibraltar game.
And afterwards he added: “This is a little bit what we have been talking about, to put the focus on some of that that has been a discussion off the pitch. The boys were keen to do this and I am here as an example of that.”
Captain Martin Odegaard, who was forced off with an ankle knock during the game, commented: “I have the impression that a lot of (players) are interested in this, care about it and want to do something to try and contribute in a good way.”
Norway’s FA has set up a committee to look at what the country “should do to respond to Qatar’s handling of human rights in the country, including studying, assessing and setting on which instrument Norwegian football shall use for its reaction”.
FIFA, said Norway will not face “disciplinary proceedings” for Wednesday’s protest.
“FIFA believes in the freedom of speech, and in the power of football as a force for good,” a statement said.
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