Haaland leaves Norway camp after City guilty verdict

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is travelling back to the UK after being withdrawn from media duties while on international duty with Norway. The decision came in the wake of Manchester City's guilty verdict in their legal battle with the Premier League.

City's guilty verdict and Haaland's media absence

Last week, Manchester City were found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges they faced, a verdict that has sent shockwaves through the football world. City, who have consistently denied the allegations, are expected to appeal. The investigation centred on alleged breaches dating back to 2009 and covering a number of financial regulations.

Ahead of Norway's match with Portugal on Sunday night, Haaland was due to face the press for pre-match duties, but was removed from the media schedule.

Solbakken's explanation

Norway manager Stale Solbakken said he wanted the striker to stay focused on on-field matters, with Haaland scoring against the Portuguese in a 2-1 defeat. Solbakken referenced former City midfielder Rodri's press conference previewing Spain's clash with England, which had been dominated by questions about City's guilty verdict.

Solbakken said: "We naturally want him to focus and have the best possible conditions to prepare. As everyone knows, there have been external discussions in the past day, but that has nothing to do with the UEFA Nations League or what we'll do next. Rodri's press conference yesterday is a perfect example; it wasn't about the UEFA Nations League either. So I think Haaland should focus on his task now. His task is to score for Norway, and I think everyone agrees that's what matters most."

He added: "That certainly needs to be considered (media access to Haaland). Making this decision now doesn't mean he won't attend future press conferences. It's just that right now, we've decided to arrange it this way. I think he can handle it [the noise surrounding his club while on international duty] well."