• Erling Haaland stars in Budweiser’s “Let It Pour” World Cup campaign alongside Jürgen Klopp
• Health campaigners in Norway condemn the commercial due to the country’s strict alcohol advertising ban
• The Norwegian Football Federation defends Haaland’s right to the sponsorship deal outside Norway

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland faces criticism in his home country Norway. He appears in a new beer advertisement for the World Cup. Norway has strict laws against alcohol advertising.

The 24-year-old features in Budweiser’s “Let It Pour” video with former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp. The campaign will show in 40 countries. However, it will not air in Norway.

Health groups have attacked Haaland’s decision. Inger Lise Hansen works for Actis, a drug policy organisation. She said it is “tragic” that a sports hero promotes alcohol. She believes this harms young people.

Hanne Cecilie Widnes from IOGT also criticised the move. She wants the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) to stop the deal. She said Haaland is a role model for children. Promoting beer sends a bad message, she added.

But the NFF defends Haaland. Runar Pahr Andresen is a spokesperson for the federation. He said players can sign personal deals with FIFA sponsors. The federation knows about this agreement. The campaign is legal because it excludes Norway.

Budweiser is a major FIFA sponsor. The company can advertise where local laws allow.

Haaland did not respond to requests for comment. Earlier, he said the campaign matches his excitement for the tournament.