Soccer-Tug-of-war over Bogere after Norway names Sweden-bound midfielder

Soccer-Tug-of-war over Bogere after Norway names Sweden-bound midfielder

The Star Online - Sport·2026-05-27 08:01

May 26 (Reuters) - Portland ⁠Thorns midfielder Cassandra Bogere was caught in a tug-of-war ⁠on Tuesday after being named in both the ‌Sweden and Norway's under-23 squads, despite having swapped allegiance to Sweden just days earlier.

An administrative blunder left the 20-year-old dual citizen ​briefly listed as a squad member ⁠for both Scandinavian rivals ⁠simultaneously. Bogere, who was born in Sweden before moving ⁠to ‌Norway as a child, had completed her international clearance last week, rendering the Norwegian ⁠call-up invalid.

"She belongs to Sweden," Sweden under-23 head ​coach Magnus ‌Wikman told broadcaster SVT, adding that the nationality ⁠switch was ​finalised from both sides.

Norway officials later acknowledged the blunder after contacting the player in the United States, where she ⁠plays in the National Women's Soccer ​League.

"We have now spoken to the player herself. She lives in the U.S., so it took some time ⁠to get in touch," Carina Olset, media manager for the Norway women's national team, told Norwegian newspaper VG.

"She could confirm that she wanted to switch nations ​and FIFA has approved the change ⁠of allegiance. We ... respect the player's wish."

In an added ​twist, the Sweden under-23 team face ‌Norway on June 3, setting ​up a surreal encounter for Bogere.

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