The Danish Football Association has banned Denmark’s players from tweeting and using other social media websites whilst on international duty. The move, ahead of the forthcoming Euro 2012 championships is aimed at limiting communication with the media and fans outside of official statements and interviews.

Lars Berendt, head of communications at the Danish FA announced that “We have an agreement with players that they weill not be active on social media sites during the European Championships”. Players communication with fans will therefore be limited to officially designated press conferences, interviews and statements to the press issued by the team or the DFA.

The DFA confirmed that the ban on players using social media sites had been in place since the use of them emerged as a major tool on the internet. The original ban was implemented by the national team coach, Morten Olsen. The ban, will not be a popular one with the Danish football supporting public, nor with the players. Nicklas Bendtner (like Luis Suarez) for example has over 48,000 followers on Twitter and regularly ‘tweets’ about his life in England whilst playing for Arsenal FC.

It has been revealed, by people studying their twitter accounts, that Bendtner and goalkeeper, Thomas Soerensen have previously been active on the site whilst on international duty with Denmark, either for training camps or for international matches.
Nicklas Bendtner has told Danish television that “I do not agree, but do respect” the DFA’s decision. It would appear that whilst the ban has been previously not been enforced particularly heavily there will be an increase in severity of punishment for the duration of the Championships.

Denmark face a tough task if they are to get out of their group with games against Germany, the Netherlands and Portugal making their group something of a group of death. They will need full focus and unity to get out of the group and must be at the very top of their game to get anything from their matches.