# Vålerenga football club leadership crisis

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/vlerenga-football-club-leadership-crisis
> Updated: 2026-09-12T05:14:52.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Vålerenga football club is experiencing significant organizational instability characterized by leadership departures and player sales. The club’s board chairman, Søren Eriksen, resigned citing a lack of support, and sports director Joacim Jonsson announced his departure. These changes follow the sale of captain Henrik Bjørdal to Viking for approximately 25 million NOK, a move that prompted the Norwegian Football Federation to request clarification regarding the club’s decision-making authority.

Amidst this crisis, 15-year-old Gabriel Rajkovic has emerged as a potential financial asset. After scoring a stoppage-time equalizer in a 2-2 draw against Sarpsborg, experts have suggested that Rajkovic could command a transfer fee of between 150 and 200 million NOK as early as January, which may help stabilize the club’s finances.

## Claims

- Lillestrøm and Vålerenga are scheduled to play a derby match at Åråsen. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Gabriel Rajkovic could be worth 150–200 million NOK in January if he continues his current form. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Gabriel Rajkovic believes he was born with the ability to handle high expectations. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Gabriel Rajkovic is the youngest player to debut in Eliteserien history at 15 years and 20 days old. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Vålerenga chairman Søren Eriksen resigned from his position with immediate effect. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Vålerenga sold captain Henrik Bjørdal to Viking shortly before the transfer window closed. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Sports director Joacim Jonsson has announced he will leave the club after the season. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Vålerenga is currently four points above the relegation line with eleven matches remaining. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-12: Vålerenga faces leadership crisis and potential windfall from talent Gabriel Rajkovic

Vålerenga faces leadership turnover and financial pressure, but 15-year-old star Gabriel Rajkovic may provide a major economic boost through a potential high-value transfer.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vlerenga-faces-leadership-crisis-and-potential-windfall-from-talent-gabriel-rajkovic

### 2026-09-06: Vålerenga secures 2-2 draw against Sarpsborg amid club leadership crisis

15-year-old Gabriel Rajkovic scored a late equalizer to secure a 2-2 draw for Vålerenga against Sarpsborg amid a week of leadership resignations and player sales.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vlerenga-secures-2-2-draw-against-sarpsborg-amid-club-leadership-crisis

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Cite as: Vålerenga football club leadership crisis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/vlerenga-football-club-leadership-crisis