Haaland Withdrawn From Norway Media Duty Before Portugal Clash
Erling Haaland will not face the media before Norway’s UEFA Nations League meeting with Portugal in Oslo, with the Manchester City forward removed from the planned press conference after reports concerning his club’s legal case in England.
What changed for the club
Norway had initially named Haaland as one of the principal figures for the briefing ahead of Sunday’s match, but the 26-year-old has now been withdrawn from that appearance. Head coach Stale Solbakken will instead speak alongside Fredrik Aursnes and Andreas Schjelderup.
The adjustment comes amid reports that Manchester City have been found guilty of 114 alleged financial breaches covering the period from the 2009-10 campaign through to 2017-18. City have not yet received a formal sporting sanction and are considering legal routes to challenge the reported ruling.
Any eventual punishment would be determined by independent panels. Possible measures reported include financial penalties, a Premier League points deduction, the removal of past league championships, relegation or expulsion from the division.
Competition context
Haaland arrives into the Portugal fixture after scoring both of Norway’s goals in Thursday’s 3-2 win over Denmark, their opening League A group match in the Nations League.
Portugal also began the group with three points, beating Wales 1-0 in their first game.
City’s domestic form has remained strong despite the uncertainty away from the pitch. They sit top of the Premier League after five victories from five matches, with Haaland contributing five goals in those opening league fixtures.
What is scheduled next
- Norway host Portugal in Oslo on Sunday in the UEFA Nations League.
- Solbakken, Aursnes and Schjelderup will attend the pre-match media duties in Haaland’s place.
- Manchester City await the next steps in the disciplinary process while assessing a challenge to the reported decision.
