Sheffield United: Ben Woodburn could find himself at the centre of a huge political row in Denmark on Sunday

Ben Woodburn could be involved in one of the most unusual and politically charged fixtures of the year when Wales face Denmark this weekend.
Ben Woodburn (left) could find himself playing against amateur opposition this weekendBen Woodburn (left) could find himself playing against amateur opposition this weekend
Ben Woodburn (left) could find himself playing against amateur opposition this weekend

 

Ã…ge Hareide, the Danes' manager, is overseeing a squad including four Futsal players ahead of their meetings with Slovakia and Ryan Giggs' side because of a row over commercial rights.

With the country's players' union and Danish FA (DBU) so far failing to reach a compromise, Hareide has also includes  swathes of lower league footballers in his 24 man party; meaning Woodburn, the Sheffield United midfielder, could find himself competing against amateur opposition during Sunday's game in Aarhus.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In a fresh twist, it has emerged UEFA could expel Denmark from its tournaments if they deem the group not to be of sufficient standard. There are also reports Hareide will not be present in the host nation's dug-out because the DBU recognises he did not pick the team himself.

The dispute regards the rights of players to agree individual sponsorships with companies competing with the DBU's official partners, while concerns have been expressed about travelling conditions on international duty.