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last mo.

Finland manager mistakenly selects 51-year-old Ruuskanen over her 23-year-old namesake

An outdated UEFA database listing prompted the error that kept the Djurgården defender out of a match she was set to debut in.

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Nanne Ruuskanen (pictured) was mistakenly left out of Finland's women's national soccer team instead of 51-year-old
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Overview

  • Outi Saarinen included retired Stina Ruuskanen, who last appeared for Finland 29 years ago, in the squad for the Nations League fixture against Serbia.
  • The naming mix-up arose from UEFA’s outdated records, formally naming Stina in place of defender Nanne Ruuskanen.
  • Saarinen issued a formal apology on the Finnish Football Association website and acknowledged Nanne’s disappointment at missing her senior debut.
  • Stina Ruuskanen responded with good humor, saying she felt ready to play after competing in a hobby league match the day before.
  • Finland drew 1-1 with Serbia, forfeiting an opportunity to top its UEFA Nations League group.