Vålerenga in Turmoil: Captain Sold, Sporting Director Sidelined, Chairman Quits

Chaos has erupted at Norwegian football club Vålerenga following a turbulent transfer deadline day, with the captain sold, the sporting director sidelined, and the chairman resigning. The club faces a leadership vacuum amid fan protests. Captain Henrik Bjørdal was sold to rivals Viking in the final hours, while top talent Promise Meliga joined KFUM and Mohamed Ofkir chose HamKam. Sporting director Joacim Jonsson, though still employed, had no decision-making power over these transfers, with a six-person committee making the calls instead. Chairman Søren Eriksen resigned with immediate effect the morning after the deadline. Jonsson, who announced his departure after the season, described it as a "happy divorce," but reports indicate significant internal friction had long made his position untenable.