Schjelderup Admits too Sharing Inappropriate Video – Will He Be Removed From National Team?
Norwegian footballer Andreas Schjelderup,21,is facing scrutiny and debate over his future with the national team after admitting to sharing a video depicting sexual acts involving minors. The incident has sparked a national conversation in Norway ahead of crucial World Cup qualifying matches.
Schjelderup is currently under inquiry in Denmark regarding the distribution of the video. He stated via Instagram over the weekend that the incident occurred two years ago, when he forwarded the video to a friend “without thinking about it.” He described it as “a stupid and one-time mistake that I deeply regret.”
The case is scheduled to be heard in Copenhagen in November, with Schjelderup anticipating a probationary sentence. He currently plays for Benfica in Lisbon.
The timing of this revelation is particularly sensitive, as Norway is preparing for vital World Cup qualifiers against Estonia on Thursday and Italy on Sunday.Norway currently leads Group I, holding a three-point advantage over Italy. A group win guarantees direct qualification for the world Cup, while second place would necessitate a playoff berth.
Schjelderup reportedly wished for the news to remain private until after the international matches. However, the issue has already ignited important discussion in norway, with some calling for his exclusion from the upcoming games to avoid distracting the team.
Kristoffer Løkberg, a former footballer and TV expert, told the newspaper Verdens Gang: “This matter will shape the first days of readiness, that’s one hundred percent certain.”
Mina Finstad Berg, a sports commentator for TV2, expressed concern over the excessive attention the case is receiving. A journalist from NRK even advocated for Schjelderup’s temporary removal from the national team, stating, “He shouldn’t be there. Because such actions do not belong to our best men.”
Despite acknowledging Schjelderup’s actions as “incredibly stupid,” national coach Ståle Solbakken has expressed confidence in the player’s remorse and future conduct. “I am firmly convinced that he has learned from it and will never do anything like that again,” Solbakken said.
Solbakken has confirmed that Schjelderup will remain with the team, stating, “It’s hard for Andreas, so we have to take good care of him when he comes to training on Monday.”