A Norwegian footballer, Ole Sæter, has declined an offer from an Israeli club as he wants to represent Pakistan.
The 28-year-old footballer is eligible to represent Pakistan due to his maternal heritage. His grandfather was a Pakistani citizen, which makes him eligible to represent Pakistan on the international football stage.
In order to join the Green Shirts, Ole turned down an €850,000 (which is approx Rs26 crore) offer from the Israeli club Maccabi Haifa.
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What did the Norwegian footballer say?
In a Norwegian newspaper interview, Ole asserted that even a $500 million offer would not sway him to join an Israeli team.
“Even if I were offered 500 million dollars, I would not join an Israeli club. For me, it’s not about the money; my values matter more. I cannot represent a country that perpetuates violence and insecurity”, he said.
Sæter further elaborated on his decision, saying, “I don’t want any money that comes from the suffering of others. People in that region are living in fear in their own homes, and I cannot in good conscience accept such blood money, no matter how large the sum.”
The Norwegian footballer has previously expressed his affinity for Pakistan by sharing photos on social media in the country’s national football jersey.
