Erling Haaland and Norway could be banned from the 2026 World Cup if they go ahead and boycott the showpiece next winter.
In March, before a World Cup qualifier against Gibraltar, the Scandinavian nation protested against the human rights issues in Qatar, the hosts for the next tournament.
The Guardian reported that 6,500 foreign workers, many from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh, have died in Qatar since 2010 - 37 of them while building stadiums for the 2022 World Cup.
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Norway's players took a stand by wearing t-shirts containing the words "HUMAN RIGHTS - on and off the pitch" as they lined up.
The Norwegian FA (NFF) are considering boycotting the tournament altogether, with NRK saying the federation will make a final decision after holding a vote on the situation on Sunday.
Norway have played three World Cup qualifiers so far but if the country elects to pull out of the qualification process, they are likely to be hit with a fine of 40,000 Swiss Francs in addition to other financial penalties.
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"FIFA is clear that they want to equate a boycott with withdrawing from the competition, which will mean that Norway does not participate further in the qualifying game," read a statement from the NFF in response to FIFA.
But the story form NRK adds that their potential refusal may see even more substantial ramifications.
FIFA have reportedly written to the NFF informing them that their boycott could bring a ban for the 2026 World Cup, to be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico, if they qualify.
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What's more, there is even the possibility of funding in Norwegian football being scrapped should the nation stand firm.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Football, Erling Haaland, Borussia Dortmund, Norway
