The 21-year-old Schelderup is indicted for sharing an illegal video featuring sexual content with minors two years ago, when he was 19 years old and playing for FC Nordsjaelland in the Danish Superliga.
Schjelderup is likely to receive a suspended sentence for his actions, and that could prove trouble if Schjelderup is selected for the Norwegian World Cup squad if the Scandinavians qualify for the prestigious tournament.
The fact is that the Norwegian Benfica striker could struggle to obtain a Visa if he is handed a suspended sentence, says Danish lawyer Martin Dahlgaard to VG.no
"A suspended sentence makes it difficult", says Dahlgaard. "In this case, there are two different scenarios: He may already have a Visa to the United States. You may only state a criminal history at the time of application. You do not need to state it afterwards to the American Embassy if you already have a Visa, but you must state it at the border if asked."
If, on the other hand, Andreas Schjelderup does not have a Visa today, then it will be more difficult, Dahlgaard believes.
"Then he must state this at the American Embassy in Oslo. And there they must assess whether what has happened falls under the term "moral turpitude". I think that is the case here, based on what I have read about the case. The employee at the Embassy cannot exercise discretion. For him or her, it is black and white, and they cannot assess the evidence in the case."
According to Dahlgaard, it does not have to be a matter of serious crime. However, there is a way out:
"The Embassy can recommend a waiver. It must be done by Homeland Security in Washington, DC. And they can exercise discretion. They can say that «this is an athlete and he will play in the World Cup». The only problem is that it can take a very long time."
The next FIFA World Cup will take place from 11 June 11 to 19 July 2026, and will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This tournament will feature an expanded 48 teams and will be the first time the event is held in three different nations.