Benfica footballer Andreas Schjelderup has been accused of sharing a video of a sexual nature involving at least one minor. The player has admitted to the offence.

Schjelderup could face up to a year in prison. Danish media outlet 'Se og Hor' broke the story, without naming the player. However, the player himself addressed the allegations on Instagram.

Schjeldrup will be tried this November by a court in Copenhagen. The alleged incident dates back two years, when he was still with Nordsjaelland.

Schjelderup's full statement:

"I want to be open with you all about a stupid mistake I made two years ago. At that time, I was 19 years old, and now I will face the consequences of that mistake. I take full responsibility for what happened, but it is important that you understand the context.

At that time, I was living in Denmark. I received a short video and, without thinking, I sent it to a friend seconds later. We always exchanged jokes and memes, like many teenagers. When I received this video and sent it, I did it as usual, without realising it was different. I only saw the first few seconds, not the rest.

My friend, after watching the video for a few more seconds, immediately reminded me that it was of course illegal to send it, so I deleted it immediately.

At that time, unfortunately, I didn't think about the consequences and how illegal it could be to share it. I should have realised the seriousness of sending it, but I didn't at that time. My only explanation is that I was really shocked to see what appeared to be two young men, in a video with an old quality, and I sent it to a friend without thinking.

My intention was not to distribute anything or harm those involved. It was a stupid mistake that I made once and which I deeply regret.

When the Danish police contacted me about what had happened, I told them the truth, and since then, I have cooperated throughout the process. I have been charged with this act, for which I will probably be convicted in the near future, and I will most likely receive a suspended sentence.

There are no excuses on my part. What I did in Denmark at that time was illegal and not right. I take full responsibility for it, and I hope that my mistake can prevent others from making the same mistake after hearing or reading my story. I hope people will think carefully before receiving something that cannot be shared.

I want to apologise first and foremost to those affected by the video. Then to my friends, family, employees, country, and all the fans who I have disappointed.

Right now, I would like to go back in time and change my mistake. I had never done anything illegal before, or even been involved with the police, so I have been in shock for a long time.

But here we are. I screwed up, and I am prepared to face the consequences. I committed the offence, and I will be convicted for it, but that does not reflect the person I am and who I aspire to be.

I am tremendously sorry for my mistake and ashamed to be in this situation. Everyone knows me, so I understand that it will cause an impact for many people.

I also know that this will be an unnecessary disruption to the Norway national team before the most important matches in our history. My intention was to share it after these matches to avoid it, but unfortunately, it has not been possible.

And to everyone, please do not watch or send videos that may be harmful or have offensive content. It is illegal. I want to apologise again, and I hope you will forgive me. I will do everything in my power to make good decisions."

A. Schjelderup

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