Andreas Schjelderup: Norwegian footballer 'facing conviction' for sharing offensive video as a teenager
A Norwegian footballer expected to represent his country at the World Cup next year is now facing a criminal conviction instead.
Norway winger Andreas Schjelderup believes he will be convicted for illegally sharing a video when he was a teenager at Danish club Nordsjaelland, calling it a “stupid mistake”.
Now 21 and playing for Benfica, Schjelderup posted a statement on Instagram this weekend, taking full responsibility for his actions.
It comes just days before Norway’s decisive World Cup qualifying matches against Estonia and Italy, which could send the country to its first World Cup since 1998.
Schjelderup said: “What I did in Denmark at that time was illegal and not okay. I will take full responsibility.
“I would like to apologise to those affected by the video, my family, friends, employers, country, and fans. I wish I could go back in time and change my mistake.
“I know this will be an unwanted distraction for the national team before some of the most important games in our history. My plan was to speak about it after the matches, but that is no longer possible.”
Schjelderup explained how he had received a video and forwarded it to a friend without watching it in full, deleting it as soon as he discovered that the content in the video was illegal.
The winger added that he has cooperated with Danish police, has been charged, and expects to be convicted soon. Danish media reports suggest that he is due in court later this month.
Norway manager Stale Solbakken said he had spoken with Schjelderup, calling the act “incredibly foolish” but praising his player for taking responsibility.
He added: “I have full confidence he has learned from this and will never repeat it. This is a tough situation, so we’ll take good care of him when he joins the team.”