Norway head coach Stale Solbakken has accused Scotland of acting “unprofessional” after a planned World Cup training-ground friendly between the two nations was cancelled at short notice.
Both teams are currently based in North Carolina as they continue preparations for their respective World Cup campaigns, with a behind-closed-doors fixture scheduled for Monday.
However, the Norwegian Football Federation confirmed on Sunday that the match had been called off after Scotland cited injuries within their squad.
The decision has not gone down well with Solbakken, who expressed frustration over both the timing of the cancellation and the manner in which it was communicated.
Speaking to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, Solbakken revealed he was surprised by the development and disappointed by the lack of direct contact from Scotland manager Steve Clarke.
“It was at least as surprising to me, and it is unprofessional of Scotland. It is unprofessional that the coach has not called me, that they use the team manager and call and say it after we have finished training.
“I don’t think the injuries they’re blaming came from the last training session. That’s not the case. It’s disappointing. It’s unprofessional. But we have to live with that. That’s why we adjusted a bit in the game.”
The friendly had been viewed as a valuable opportunity for both sides to fine-tune tactics and maintain match sharpness ahead of the tournament.
Instead, Norway have been forced to alter their training plans at short notice, while Scotland continue to manage fitness concerns within Steve Clarke’s squad.
With the World Cup fast approaching, both nations will now focus on ensuring their players are fully prepared for the challenges ahead, despite the unexpected disruption to their schedules.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
