Finland’s women’s team were left without one of their best players after an amusing administrative error.
Top defender Nanne Ruuskanen wasn’t included for a Nations League match against Serbia after team manager Outi Saarinen accidentally called up a 51-year-old with the same last name.
AFPHead coach Marko Saloranta was left without the player due to a mistake by the team manager[/caption]
The name of Stina Ruuskanen was still available on UEFA’s system and chosen by Saarinen who has since apologised for the error.
“I am very sorry for the mistake,” she said in a football association statement which explained what had happened.
Due to her mistake, head coach Marko Saloranta was unable to use Nanne Ruuskanen in the 1-1 draw on June 3 as the squad couldn’t be changed on the UEFA system.
Finland’s FA added: “The reason is an error when entering the lineup into the UEFA system.
“Team manager Outi Saarinen mistakenly entered a former player with the same last name, who is still available in the UEFA system, in place of Nanne Ruuskanen .
“Because of this, Ruuskanen cannot play in tonight’s match against Serbia. The lineup confirmed in the UEFA system can no longer be adjusted.
“The player was informed of the incident on game day when it was noticed.
“Nanne was of course disappointed, but she took the news very well considering the situation.”
The 23-year-old Ruuskanen recently made a headline move from Norwegian outfit Brann to top women’s side Djurgarden in the January transfer window.
The Swedish club made the women’s Champions League final in 2005, losing to FFC Turbine Potsdam over two legs.
Djugarden are also the former team of Renee Slegers, who won the Champions League this year as head coach of Arsenal.
Responding to the mistake in an interview with Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat, Ruuskanen said: “I’m definitely ready if the call comes!
“Just yesterday I was playing in a hobby league match… so my game feels good.”
A win against Serbia would’ve seen Finland finish top of their Nations League B group and earn promotion to League A, but they’ll instead try and make it there via the play-offs.
Ruuskanen previously played twice for her country in 2023 and they perhaps could’ve done with the defender against Serbia.
The goal they conceded was their first in six group matches.
Finland have already qualified for Euro 2025, and have been drawn in Group A alongside, Norway, Iceland and hosts Switzerland.
