Australian National Team Donates to Gaza Humanitarian Causes Ahead of WCup Qualifier vs Palestine

Bangladesh's Rakib Hossain (L) is tackled by Australia's Jackson Irvine (R) during their 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualification football match between Australia and Bangladesh played in Melbourne on November 16, 2023. (AFP)
Bangladesh's Rakib Hossain (L) is tackled by Australia's Jackson Irvine (R) during their 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualification football match between Australia and Bangladesh played in Melbourne on November 16, 2023. (AFP)
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Australian National Team Donates to Gaza Humanitarian Causes Ahead of WCup Qualifier vs Palestine

Bangladesh's Rakib Hossain (L) is tackled by Australia's Jackson Irvine (R) during their 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualification football match between Australia and Bangladesh played in Melbourne on November 16, 2023. (AFP)
Bangladesh's Rakib Hossain (L) is tackled by Australia's Jackson Irvine (R) during their 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualification football match between Australia and Bangladesh played in Melbourne on November 16, 2023. (AFP)

Players on Australia's national soccer team will donate a portion of their match fees from a World Cup qualifier against Palestine towards humanitarian causes in Gaza.

Australia plays Palestine in Kuwait on Tuesday in a game that was going to be held in the West Bank but was relocated due to the escalation of violence in the region.

Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel’s southern region on Oct. 7 was followed by Israel declaring war on the group and launching retaliatory strikes on the Gaza Strip. Palestinian health officials say more than 11,000 residents in Hamas-controlled Gaza have been killed in air and artillery strikes.

"It’s unfathomable to comprehend," midfielder Jackson Irvine was quoted by Australian Associated Press as saying Saturday. "You’re talking about one of the most complicated geopolitical issues of the last 100 years."

The players’ union, Professional Footballers Australia, confirmed a percentage of player match fees would be directed towards Oxfam’s humanitarian efforts in Gaza, via the PFA’s Footballers’ Trust. The move is a player-led effort with Football Australia matching the players’ donation, but no dollar amounts were mentioned.

"The thoughts of the PFA are with all of those impacted by the conflict and the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding as a result," co-chief executive officer Beau Busch said in a statement. "Aid agencies and humanitarian groups have been clear on the scale of need and the players were able to play a part."

Irvine is the PFA president as well as captain of German club FC St. Pauli.

The Socceroos beat Bangladesh 7-0 in Melbourne on Thursday and took a charter flight to Kuwait on Saturday. The Palestinians held Lebanon to a 0-0 draw on neutral turf in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates in their second-round opener.

"We’re aware of the situation, we understand that football in this moment is probably not the priority in some ways," Irvine said. "But at the end of the day, we’ve got a game to win and a performance to focus on."



Renard Confirms Saudi National Team's Readiness for the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup

The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA
The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA
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Renard Confirms Saudi National Team's Readiness for the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup

The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA
The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA

French coach Hervé Renard has confirmed the Saudi national football team's readiness to compete in the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait, from 21 December 2024 to 3 January 2025, and stressed that the team aims to achieve great results, rather than merely gain experience.
Renard also said the tournament is a valuable opportunity to enhance the players' technical and physical capabilities, SPA reported.
Speaking at a press conference, Renard said: "We are here to participate effectively and win. This tournament provides a great platform to work with the players and prepare them for future competitions."
Regarding the team's condition, Renard said that player Hassan Tambakti is ready for action, while Salem Al-Dawsari is "working on regaining full fitness".

He commended Al-Dawsari for his dedication to speeding up his recovery. Meanwhile, Firas Al-Brikan is dealing with an injury, and his availability will depend on further evaluations, said Renard.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Renard said: "I accepted this challenge because I believe in the players' capabilities. We must work with team spirit and focus on improvement in the coming period."
As far as the team's opening match against Bahrain is concerned, Renard said: "We are preparing for a tough game. The preparation period was crucial, and our focus now is on delivering a strong performance."
The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday in what promises to be an exciting start to their Gulf Cup matches. Both teams are eager to make a strong impression in their opening match.