It has been confirmed this evening that Kristoffer Ajer and Moi Elyounoussi’s international hopes have taken a huge hit with UEFAs latest announcement.
The Celtic pair were sent home from their international camp early and without playing a game due to a positive virus test in the team.
The who team were released back to their clubs and Norway told UEFA they could not fulfil the fixture. They were supposed to play Romania in the UEFA Nations league this week and because they can’t, Norway have had to forfeit.
It means Romania have won the game 3-0 and it has implications for Northern Ireland as a result.
CONFIRMED!
UEFA announce Norway FORFEIT their Nations League game away to Romania on Sunday that was postponed after Norway were banned from travelling due to a positive COVID test.
Romania are given a 3-0 win.
This means Northern Ireland are therefore relegated to League C.
— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonESPN) November 18, 2020
This is going to happen across Europe, perhaps even at club level the more we try to live and play during the pandemic.
Norway put the health of their players first but have been punished for doing so. It’s not really a good look for UEFA but they want to satisfy the money men over and above anything else.
There had been chat all week Moi and Ajer would have to sit out the Hibs tie in order to self-isolate but the club cleared things up on Tuesday evening when they confirmed both can play on Saturday.