Norway have withdrawn Erling Haaland from media duties ahead of Sunday’s Nations League clash with Portugal, hours after reports emerged that Manchester City had been found guilty of almost all the financial regulation charges brought against them.

Haaland had been scheduled to face the media on Saturday morning ahead of Norway’s meeting with Portugal in Oslo. However, the Norwegian Football Federation announced late on Friday that the Manchester City striker would no longer attend the press conference.

“We are making changes to tomorrow’s press conference. Ståle Solbakken, Fredrik Aursnes and Andreas Schjelderup will be attending,” the federation said. The decision came only hours after major developments surrounding Haaland’s club.

Manchester City were reportedly found guilty of 114 breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations, with the verdict potentially leaving the club facing significant sporting and financial consequences.

The timing of Haaland’s withdrawal from media duties therefore immediately attracted attention, although the Norwegian federation did not publicly give a reason for removing him from the scheduled press conference.

Haaland remains expected to feature for Norway against Portugal as Ståle Solbakken’s side prepare for an important Nations League fixture.

The 25-year-old has been one of Norway’s key players throughout their recent rise and is central to their hopes of securing a positive result against Portugal. For now, however, the spotlight surrounding Haaland is likely to remain focused on events away from the national team.

Manchester City’s reported verdict could have major implications for the club, while Haaland’s decision to remain away from the media means he will not be answering questions about the case ahead of Norway’s meeting with Portugal.