Legal Issues for Norwegian Soccer Star
In a challenging week for Norwegian soccer, a significant distraction has emerged as a star player confronts the fallout from a serious legal issue. Andreas Schjelderup, a 21-year-old winger for Benfica in Portugal and a prominent figure in Norway’s national team, disclosed on social media that he is likely facing conviction for sharing an illegal video while playing for Danish club Nordsjaelland at the age of 19.
Details of the Case
This revelation comes on the heels of Danish media reports indicating that an unnamed soccer player faced charges for distributing sexual material involving minors. Schjelderup openly expressed his shame and readiness to accept responsibility for his actions, which he characterized as a serious crime.
Impact on National Team
Currently, Schjelderup is preparing to compete with the Norwegian national squad, which is on the verge of qualifying for the men’s World Cup for the first time since 1998. With two qualifying matches remaining—one against Estonia at home on Thursday and another away against Italy on Sunday—the Norwegian team tops its group by three points. Securing a victory against Estonia would significantly bolster their chances of participating in the tournament set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year, given their superior goal difference over Italy.
Reactions from Officials
Lise Klaveness, the president of the Norwegian Football Association (NFF), commented to the media, acknowledging Schjelderup’s transgression as a serious mistake with legal repercussions. The NFF has been coordinating with the player’s legal representatives, and his case is scheduled for a court hearing in Denmark on November 19. Meanwhile, Norway’s coach, Ståle Solbakken, affirmed that there are no justifications for Schjelderup’s behavior and noted that the player has been cooperative with authorities from the onset.
Schjelderup’s Apology
This week, Schjelderup held talks with his teammates, including Antonio Nusa, who remarked on the tension the situation has created within the squad. In a lengthy statement he shared on Instagram—which has since been removed—Schjelderup recounted how he unwittingly forwarded the video without fully understanding its content.
“I had viewed only the initial seconds and wasn’t aware of what the rest contained,”
he stated, expressing frustration that he had not considered the potential legal implications of sharing it.
He reached out in apology to those depicted in the video, his teammates, and supporters, acknowledging the added pressure it places on the team as they approach critical matches in their campaign. Schjelderup further addressed the charges against him, predicting a likely conviction and a probable suspended sentence. He emphasized his accountability for his actions, asserting,
“There are no excuses on my part. What I did in Denmark was illegal and wrong. I take full responsibility for it, and I hope that by sharing my story, others will learn from it.”
Conclusion
Both Klaveness and Solbakken concluded that Schjelderup would not face further sanctions from the team, reflecting the NFF’s historical stance on issues of social significance, including gender equality in sports and ethical governance. Since making his debut against Kosovo in June of the previous year, Schjelderup has made a remarkable entry into the international scene, including competing in the Champions League for Benfica, now managed by renowned coach Jose Mourinho.
