Erling Haaland lie emerges after Man City charges as boss goes public before Wales game

Norway manager Stale Solbakken has rejected claims that Manchester City requested Erling Haaland be shielded from media appearances. Haaland was withdrawn from a scheduled press conference and replaced by Fredrik Aursnes and Andreas Schjelderup ahead of Norway's Nations League match against Portugal, following reports that Manchester City was found guilty of 114 Premier League financial breaches.

Solbakken stated that the decision to excuse Haaland was entirely his own to keep the striker focused, calling the claims of club interference a lie. Haaland subsequently scored in Norway's 2-1 loss to Portugal, and he is expected to be excused from media duties again before Thursday's game against Wales.