World Cup-bound Norway player backs calls for improved heat protocols from FIFA

WASHINGTON: (May 20)  A Norway international likely headed to the World Cup is among a group of current or former soccer players backing calls for FIFA to strengthen heat protocols at the tournament.

Morten Thorsby is expected to be in the squad selected by Norway for his country’s first appearance at a men’s World Cup since 1998. In 2020, he founded “We Play Green” — a movement that urges soccer players to engage in environmental and climate issues.

An open letter to FIFA by the New Weather Institute and signed by Thorsby and dozens of other players — none of whom are going to the World Cup — says it is “essential that the best available medical expertise is put to practice” at the tournament being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11