Denmark are set to take on Slovakia and Wales during the international break this Wednesday, but if the standoff between the Danish players and the Danish FA (DBU) continues, it could be a very different squad to the team that featured in Russia this summer.
The two groups are locked in a stalemate over commercial rights, the DBU want to renegotiate the terms of their deal with their players in order to raise more money for community projects, though players have rejected this due to their personal sponsorship deals.
The DBU are currently trying to enlist eligible players who are not associated with the players union, but if 23 players are not found, and the games are cancelled or forfeited, Denmark could face a ban from European competition which would leave them excluded from Euro 2020.
Denmark centre back Simon Kjaer has blamed the DBU for the current situation, telling Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet that the organisation are not looking for a 'quick solution':
It is the DBU that creates problems and risks for cancelled international matches and giant consequences for everyone in Danish football.
We feel that the DBU would like to make us mad. They will make it as if it's us players who do not want to play internationally. But that's exactly the opposite.
I must admit that it is our clear impression that the DBU has not been interested in finding a quick solution. Right now we fear the consequences for Danish football.
DBU president Jesper Moller has called the situation 'regrettable', before stating that it is imperative that the organisation find 23 players to take part in their upcoming matches:
The crucial thing is now that the two national matches will be played. The board has therefore asked DBU's management that the two international matches will be played with the strongest possible team.
Otherwise, we risk major fines and possible exclusion from UEFA.
Denmark play Slovakia on Wednesday, with their Nations League opener the following Sunday in Aarhus, but should the impasse continue, Gareth Bale and co. could have a very easy start to their Nations League campaign.
