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Mathias Norman
Photo: Jessica Gow/TT / picture alliance / TT NYHETSBYR?N
The Norwegian soccer professional Mathias Normann will initially no longer play for the national team because of an announced move to Russia.
According to the Norwegian Football Association NFF, national coach Ståle Solbakken informed the 26-year-old on Monday afternoon that he would not be considered for the next national team games.
The reason for this is that he said he would sign with a new Russian club.
The national team around star striker Erling Haaland meets Slovenia and Serbia in the Nations League at the end of September.
In general, it is not the task of the association to say anything about the club choice of national players, explained association president Lise Klaveness.
However, we are in an exceptional situation.
All Norwegian and European football agree that joint pressure must be exerted on warring Russia.
"Ståle and I both agree that Normann cannot represent Norway if he is going to play for a new Russian club," Klaveness said.
Change to Moscow is imminent
Normann has made 12 appearances for his country since making his international debut three years ago.
According to Russian media reports, he recently passed the medical check at Dynamo Moscow.
The transfer has not yet been confirmed by the club.
As the Norwegian news agency NTB reported, Normann said in an interview over the weekend that a loan move to a Russian club was imminent.
The midfielder was last loaned out to England by Norwich City from Russia's FK Rostov.
mfu/dpa