Daniel Daga Cleared on Appeal as Molde Restores Midfielder to First-Team Availability

Norwegian club Molde FK has confirmed that Daniel Daga will be available for selection again after the midfielder was acquitted by the Frostating Court of Appeal.

In a statement, the club said it had reviewed Daga’s status following the court’s decision, despite noting that the judgment is not yet legally final.

“Daniel Daga has been unanimously acquitted in the criminal case heard by the Frostating Court of Appeal. Based on the verdict, Molde FK considers that Daga will once again be available for play, even though the verdict is not yet final.”

Molde acknowledged the emotional impact of the legal proceedings on everyone connected to the case.

“The club recognizes that this has been a serious and stressful matter for everyone affected.”

The Norwegian side explained that it had continuously assessed the situation throughout the legal process while fulfilling its responsibilities as Daga’s employer.

“Since the indictment was filed, Molde FK has made ongoing assessments based on the situation and the club’s responsibility as an employer.”

Following the appeal court’s ruling, Molde believes the Nigerian midfielder can now resume his football career with the club.

“Now that the Court of Appeal’s verdict is in and Daniel Daga has been acquitted, we as an employer consider that Daniel will be available to play for Molde FK in the future.”

Molde CEO Vegard Storvik described the case as a difficult period for all parties and said the club would continue to approach the matter with care and respect.

“We have today received information about the Court of Appeal’s ruling. This has been a demanding period for everyone involved, and we want to approach it with respect and consideration for everyone who has been affected,” Storvik said.

The club also confirmed it would not make any further comments on the case out of respect for those involved.

Although the appeal court’s verdict clears Daga of all criminal charges, Molde emphasized that the ruling has not yet become legally final.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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