OSLO, Norway (AP) — The Norwegian Football Association excluded midfielder Matthias Norman from national selection this month as he joins a new club in Russia.
Since February’s invasion of Ukraine, Norwegian sport has taken a tough stance on Russia, including refusing to accept the country’s skiers in last season’s game.
Norman, who has returned to Russia with his former club Rostov after playing in the Premier League at Norwich last season, is reportedly set to join Dynamo Moscow.
Norwegian Federation President Lise Klaveness said on Monday She and coach Ståle Solbakken agreed that Normann could not be selected because of his decision to join a new club in Russia.
Norman, 26, has made 12 appearances for Norway since his debut in 2019.
Boosted by five goals from Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Norway topped their Nations League group ahead of their games against Slovenia and host Serbia on September 24 and 27 respectively. The team did not qualify for the World Cup.
World Cup team Poland also took action against a Russian-based player in June Defender Maciej Rybus will not be drafted after signing a two-year deal with Sparta Moscow.
Russian football team banned from international competitions by FIFA and UEFA Due to the war against Ukraine, including disqualification from the men’s and women’s World Cup and women’s European Championship finals in July.
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