Liam Duckstein
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Norway international midfielder Andreas Schjelderup remains in a state of uncertainty regarding his participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The Benfica player is currently facing potential travel restrictions following a legal ruling in a Danish court. Last November, Schjelderup received a two-week suspended prison sentence after being found guilty of sharing sexual material involving two minors under the age of 18.
Judge Mathias Eike issued the suspended sentence, which dictates that the midfielder will avoid jail time unless he commits another offense within a 12-month period. While the criminal penalty is stay-of-execution, the nature of the conviction presents a significant hurdle for entry into the United States. Under U.S. immigration law, crimes involving minors can be interpreted as moral turpitude, a classification that often resulting in immediate visa denial without a specific waiver.
An application has been submitted. I don’t know more than that. I hope it will be resolved, and those are also the indications I have received, but I don’t know more than that. I can’t do anything about it.
Danish legal expert Martin Dahlgaard noted that a suspended sentence complicates the acquisition of a U.S. visa significantly. If Schjelderup does not hold a current, valid visa, he must navigate the application process through the American Embassy in Oslo. The presence of a criminal record involving minors is frequently a disqualifying factor for standard entry permits.
Norway secured their place in the 2026 World Cup following a 4-1 victory over Italy in their final qualifying fixture last November. Although Schjelderup was part of the squad for that decisive match in Milan, he remained an unused substitute. His status for the final tournament roster now depends as much on diplomatic approval as it does on his performance for Benfica. Stay tuned to TipsGG for updates on this developing legal situation.