Norwegian Football Federation addresses supporter masking ban

The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) has addressed the issue of masked supporters following a recent match between Lillestrøm and Vålerenga, where smoke and masked individuals were present in the stands. Although NFF regulations prohibit the use of balaclavas or similar face coverings during matches, masked supporters are not always immediately removed.

NFF Communications Manager Yngve Haavik stated that masking creates insecurity and has an aggressive appearance, noting that it does not belong on Norwegian football terraces. However, organizers must assess each situation individually, often in consultation with police, as immediate intervention can sometimes risk escalating the situation.

NRK sports commentator Jan Petter Saltvedt has criticized the practice more severely, describing the use of masks as a ‘harmful virus’ in the supporter system and labeling the behavior as ‘cowardly and selfish.’ Individual clubs are responsible for tracking statistics regarding ejections or bans related to masking, as the NFF does not maintain a centralized national database for these incidents.