Haaland Removed From Norway Press Conference After Man City Verdict
Erling Haaland has been withdrawn from Norway’s scheduled press conference ahead of Sunday’s Nations League clash with Portugal, shortly after reports emerged that Manchester City were found guilty of 114 of the 115 financial rule breaches brought against the club.
Haaland was initially expected to face the media on Saturday. However, the Norwegian Football Federation later changed the programme, with head coach Ståle Solbakken and teammates Fredrik Aursnes and Andreas Schjelderup taking part instead.
Solbakken explained that the decision was made to allow Haaland to remain focused on Norway’s upcoming match rather than become involved in questions surrounding Manchester City.
“Therefore, I think it is timely that he concentrates on what he should do, and that is to score goals for Norway.”
Solbakken also confirmed that he was involved in the decision to leave Haaland out of the media session, while saying he did not have enough information to comment on the Manchester City case itself.
The timing of the decision is significant. Haaland is currently with Norway after scoring twice in their 3-2 victory over Denmark on Thursday. Norway will face Portugal in Oslo on Sunday.
The Manchester City case concerns alleged financial-rule breaches dating back to the period between 2009 and 2018, before Haaland joined the club in 2022. Reports on Friday said an independent commission found City guilty on 114 of the 115 charges.
However, the club’s case is not necessarily over. Manchester City have maintained their position regarding the allegations, and the disciplinary process still has further stages, including the club’s right to challenge the findings.
Haaland has previously spoken about the case and said he had discussed it with Manchester City’s leadership before committing his future to the club on a long-term contract.
For now, the Norway striker’s immediate focus remains Sunday’s Nations League fixture, while the attention around Manchester City’s financial case continues to develop.
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