Norway International Andreas Schjelderup Anticipates Conviction for Sharing Inappropriate Video
In a candid Instagram statement on Saturday, Andreas Schjelderup, the 21-year-old Benfica winger and Norway international, revealed that he expects to be convicted for sharing a video he described as “a stupid mistake.” The incident dates back to when he was 19 and playing for Danish Superliga club Nordsjaelland.
Schjelderup’s announcement came in the wake of Danish media reports suggesting that an unnamed footballer had been charged with offenses related to the possession or distribution of sexual material involving individuals under the age of 18. This player is scheduled to appear in court for sentencing later this month.
Currently included in Norway’s squad for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Italy, Schjelderup acknowledged his cooperation with Danish police since being contacted earlier this year and expressed his readiness to accept the repercussions of his actions.
In his statement, he clarified that he had forwarded a brief video to a friend without fully considering the implications, admitting he only watched the initial moments without understanding the content that followed.
“What I did in Denmark at that time was illegal and not OK. I will take full responsibility for it,” Schjelderup wrote, extending his remorse first to those affected by the video, followed by an apology to his friends, family, employers, and supporters he feels he has disappointed.
“I wish I could go back in time and change my mistake,” he continued, reflecting on the shock he has experienced. “I have never done anything illegal before, nor have I been involved with the police.”
Furthermore, Schjelderup expressed hope that others could learn from his experience, urging against the consumption or dissemination of harmful content. He emphasized that his coming conviction does not define his character or values.
Norway’s head coach, Stale Solbakken, addressed the situation at a press conference on Monday. He acknowledged Schjelderup’s error, calling it “something very stupid,” but underscored that the player recognizes this himself. “He’s taken full responsibility and provided all the necessary information,” Solbakken stated, confirming that Schjelderup would remain part of the squad for the upcoming matches.
“There are no excuses for what he did, but it was a mistake made in an instant, and he rectified it promptly. He will face his punishment in Denmark, which is warranted,” Solbakken added. “However, why should I impose further sanctions? While his actions are serious, I strongly believe that including Schjelderup in the squad is the right decision.”
The president of the Norwegian Football Association echoed this sentiment, agreeing that no additional sanctions should be placed upon Schjelderup beyond the legal consequences he faces in Denmark.
With Norway on the brink of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1998, leading their qualifying group by three points with just two matches left, Schjelderup had initially hoped to address the situation after this week’s games to minimize distractions. However, he recognized that this was no longer feasible.
The Athletic has reached out to both Danish police and the Denmark Prosecution Service for further comment.
