Erling Haaland has reportedly been removed from media duty with Norway after Manchester City were found guilty of alleged financial breaches. The striker was expected to be available to speak to the press this weekend before Norway face Portugal in the Nations League on Sunday.
Reports emerged on Friday claiming that City had been found guilty on all-but-one of the 115 charges brought against them by the Premier League in 2023. A wait now follows to discover what punishment could head City's way, with the club retaining the right to appeal the outcome.
Possible punishments and Haaland's international duty
Consequently, City face the possibility of a punishment ranging from a points deduction to outright expulsion from the Premier League. Haaland is currently on duty with the Norway squad during the extended international break, and was in action on Thursday night as he helped his country secure a 3-2 victory over Denmark, netting twice in the process.
The striker had been expected to address the media this weekend ahead of Norway's forthcoming fixture against Portugal, but that will no longer be happening. As reported by TV2, Haaland has been replaced for Norway's pre-match press conference by Benfica duo Andreas Schjelderup and Fredrik Aursnes.
Official statement and Haaland's previous comments
Norway's media manager Morten Skjonsberg is said to have informed reporters that Haaland will not be speaking to the press this weekend. "We are making changes to tomorrow's press conference," the message is reported to have read. "(Stale) Solbakken, (Fredrik) Aursnes and (Andreas) Schjelderup will be on the ground floor."
Haaland has previously addressed the charges levelled against City, revealing the striker received reassurances that the matter would be dealt with. "I spoke with the bosses, and in the end, I believe them," Haaland said in an interview with TIME Magazine in July last year. "It's such a tricky situation for me to even sit there and speak about, because I wasn't really involved in it. So I think the club knows what they're doing. They will sort it out."
