Norwegian forward Andreas Schjelderup, currently playing for Benfica, is set to appear in a Copenhagen court next week after admitting to sharing an explicit video involving minors on social media. The incident dates back to last year, when Schjelderup was playing for Danish club Nordsjaelland.
The 21-year-old, regarded as one of Norway’s brightest young talents, confessed to having shared the video on Snapchat, which Danish authorities have classified as “sexual content involving minors.” In a post on Instagram, Schjelderup expressed remorse for his actions, writing:
“The offence for which I will be convicted does not reflect who I am as a person or what I stand for. I urge everyone not to view or spread videos containing harmful or offensive content.”
Despite the legal case, Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken has included Schjelderup in his squad for the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Italy. Solbakken defended his decision during a press conference, saying:
“He did something very stupid, and he will receive his punishment in Denmark, which he deserves. But beyond that, why should I punish him again? What he did is serious, but I believe including him in the team is the right decision.”
The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) has backed the coach’s stance. Federation president Lise Klaveness, a lawyer by profession, said after consulting the player’s legal representatives that Schjelderup should not face additional sanctions.
“We are confident in our assessment and see no need for further disciplinary action,” Klaveness told NRK.
Benfica have taken a similar position, confirming that while they are monitoring the situation closely, no disciplinary measures will be taken at this stage. Schjelderup remained on the bench during Benfica’s recent 2-2 draw with Casa Pia, where the team squandered a two-goal lead. Club president Rui Costa, recently re-elected for another term, voiced his support for the young player:
“Knowing him, I am convinced he did not act with bad intentions.”
The case has nonetheless sparked widespread debate in Norway over whether the player should have been called up at all. Local media have questioned if it is appropriate for fans to applaud a player who is due in court on charges related to the sharing of explicit material involving minors.
Schjelderup, who turned 21 this summer, was 19 at the time of the incident. Many observers believe his age and public acknowledgement of wrongdoing have contributed to the leniency shown by both his club and national federation. Norway, meanwhile, are one win away from a historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, needing victory over Estonia in Oslo to secure their place and potentially push Italy into the playoffs.
