Maccabi Haifa failed to sign a foreign striker before the Israeli Premier League transfer window closed, despite numerous candidates being mentioned in recent days.
One potential recruit was Norwegian forward Ole Sæter of Rosenborg. Norwegian media reported that Maccabi Haifa had offered €850,000 to his club, but Sæter rejected the proposal.
In an unexpected statement, Sæter responded on Wednesday to the offer from Israel’s vice champions, making controversial remarks. “I will not represent a country that perpetuates insecurity and evil with the killing of innocent people. No amount of money can buy my values. I choose humanity over blood money. Even if I were offered billions, I wouldn’t move there.”
“I am confident in my values and happy to stand by what I believe is right. I don’t want such money in my account. There are people there who can’t live safely in their own homes. It’s quite insane. There’s no way I will represent a country that acts like that,” he concluded.