sign against the war
Norway kicks players from the national team – because they are moving to Dynamo Moscow
Mathias Normann played for Norwich City in the English Premier League last season
© Lindsey Parnaby / AFP
Soccer professional Mathias Normann has no future in Norway’s national team for the time being. Despite warnings, he is moving to the Russian club Dynamo Moscow.
Like the Norwegian Football Association announced on its website, national coach Ståle Solbakken throws defensive midfielder Mathias Normann out of the team. The reason for this is Normann’s move to Dynamo Moscow. Solbakken informed Normann on Sunday that this could be the result in the event of a move to Russia. Normann nevertheless signed with Dynamo Moscow – and is now on the sidelines for the time being.
“Basically, it is not the task of the association to say anything about the club choice of the national players, but we are now in an extraordinary situation,” says association president Lise Klaveness according to the notification. “All of Norwegian and European football are united in putting pressure on Russia as a belligerent party that has also been very active in using positions of power in the sport.” All Russian teams are excluded from international sports competitions. “Ståle and I agree that Normann cannot represent Norway if he now plays for a new Russian club.”
Normann’s ban duration uncertain
The Norwegian association does not say how long the ban will last and whether Normann will get another chance if he turns his back on Russia.
Source:Statement from the Norwegian Football Association.