OSLO: Pakistani-origin Norwegian footballer Ole Saeter has turned down a lucrative transfer of €850,000 offer from Israeli club Maccabi Haifa, citing strong moral objections on Wednesday.
Ole Sæter, who is also eligible to represent Pakistan due to his maternal heritage, told Norwegian channel TV 2 that he could not accept the deal, despite the financial security it would have brought.
The 28-year-old striker cited that It is a country that I have neither the morals nor the values to represent, making it clear that he puts humanity over such money.
“Even if I were offered 500 million dollars, I don’t want any blood money coming into my account. It would be a nightmare,” Saeter said of the offer.
Rosenborg footballer 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. His grandfather was a Pakistani citizen, which makes Sæter eligible to represent Pakistan on the international football stage.
Saeter has made 53 appearances for Rosenborg since 2021, scoring 32 goals and providing 11 assists.
