FIFA fines Italy, Norway soccer federations for involving anti-Israel fan

The Norwegian and Italian soccer federations have been fined by FIFA for incidents involving a fan at World Cup qualifying games against Israel last month.

FIFA said the Italian federation was fined 12,500 Swiss francs ($15,500) and that Norway must pay 10,000 Swiss francs ($12,400).

Both federations faced charges relating to disturbance of national anthems, spectators invading the field of play and “order and security” at games, FIFA said. It published a document of World Cup disciplinary cases late Thursday.

The man on the field during Norway’s 5–0 win over Israel has often interrupted international soccer matches over the last 20 years, including at the men’s World Cup finals tournament.

The FIFA charges did not involve Palestinian flags, including some with slogans, displayed at the games played in Oslo and Udine, Italy.

Both games saw large-scale security deployment as local fans vowed to protest the war in Gaza. Police in Oslo sprayed protesters with tear gas and made several arrests. Anti-Israel fans booed Israel’s national anthem, Hatikva, at both matches.