Vålerenga faces internal crisis after captain sale sparks fears of civil war

Vålerenga faces internal turmoil after selling captain Henrik Bjørdal to rival Viking just before the transfer window closed, prompting chairman Søren Eriksen to resign and sparking fears of a "civil war" within the Oslo club, which sits five points above the relegation zone. Former coach Lars Tjærnås urged all parties to prioritize the club and establish a clear strategy, while ex-captain Jonatan Tollås Nation criticized the timing of the sale, noting no obvious replacement was brought in. The club recently sold talent Filip Thorvaldsen for a record 60 million kroner, and some question whether the Bjørdal sale was financially necessary. With 12 matches remaining, Vålerenga holds 11th place in the Eliteserien, six points clear of the relegation playoff spot. Coach Johannes Moesgaard dismissed relegation fears, while Tjærnås believes the squad is strong enough to avoid the drop.