Norway finds hope as credit crunch bites

The global economic downturn is already having a significant effect on Norwegian football, but slashed budgets may end up being a boon for young local players as the new domestic season gets under way on 15 March.

Changing circumstances
The 2009 season will doubtless be more frugal than its predecessors. With sponsorship harder to come by, clubs are cutting their budgets, and those sides that were bankrolled by wealthy owners are often finding their patrons less amenable to expensive projects. Second-tier Bryne FK have already released a number of players to cut their wage bill.

Financial concerns
While the financial news has not been good, Norwegian Football Association president Sondre Kåfjord hopes the Tippeligaen sides have their houses in order. "The clubs have more or less seen this coming, and have adapted well to the new situation," he said. "But I fear some clubs will struggle this year. Their financial room for manoeuvre has disappeared."

European nest egg
Rosenborg BK posted record losses in 2008, but they – unlike most of their rivals – have something to fall back on, having kept hold of much of the money they earned as regulars in the UEFA Champions League. They too, however, have been in no mood to spend big, and it could be that the winners in the credit crisis could be local youngsters.

Time for reflection
Niels Røine, head of Norsk Toppfotball – the organisation in charge of the top two divisions in Norway – feels that the downturn may give clubs time to reflect. "The credit crunch has no doubt been felt also in Norway," he said. "The clubs are investing less money now, but that may also be a good thing after the explosive rise in the last few years."

New perspective
The 2008 season saw an all-time high of 140 foreign players registered in the top division, and this is something which Røine is eager for clubs to consider. "That was 40 per cent of the total," he said. "The clubs will have to spend more wisely now, and put more emphasis on developing their own players."

More opportunities
The Tippeligaen has been expanded from this season to include 16 teams, rather than 14, meaning that everyone will have four more matches to play in 2009. With most clubs eager to cut their wage bills and showcase their most saleable talents, that will surely mean more first-team opportunities for squad players and youngsters.