Watch: Ħamrun Spartans Stranded In Norway Hours Before European Opener In The Faroe Islands

Ħamrun Spartans remain stranded in Bergen, Norway, just hours before their scheduled UEFA Conference League qualifier against NSÍ Runavík, with the club now facing the possibility of being forced to forfeit the match.

The update comes after the club shared a video yesterday showing the squad arriving in Norway and explaining they would make another attempt to reach the Faroe Islands today.

The Maltese champions have been unable to reach the Faroe Islands after repeated attempts to fly out were thwarted by persistent fog and poor visibility at Vágar Airport.

Speaking to Net News, CEO Marcel Bonnici described the situation as “desperate”, explaining that the circumstances are completely beyond the club’s control.

The squad, staff and around 50 travelling supporters have now spent more than 24 hours stranded in Norway after their charter flight was diverted from its original destination.

Bonnici revealed the club has already spent thousands of euros on unexpected accommodation in Bergen while also having to cover hotel bookings that had already been paid for in the Faroe Islands.

He added that even if the match were postponed by 24 hours following discussions with UEFA, the players are no longer in the ideal physical or mental condition to compete after the travel ordeal.

The team is expected to make another attempt to fly to the Faroe Islands around midday. However, if weather conditions fail to improve, the club may decide that returning to Malta is the only realistic option, meaning NSÍ Runavík could be awarded a walkover.

Video: Hamrun Spartans Football Club

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Dylan Attard

Dylan Attard is a Social Media Executive at Lovin Malta and a proud Gozitan with a passion for digital media, content creation, and social trends. Outside of work, you’ll usually find him at the gym, watching series or doomscrolling.