The club's accountant grew suspicious and reported concerns about financial transactions to the board, according to NRK. When the board suggested discussing the matter with Alexander, the accountant replied that this was precisely the issue, NRK reported. The leaders of Sverresborg Fotball initially could not believe what was unfolding, according to NRK.
Alexander's gambling addiction began in childhood; his first memory of winning money was at age seven during a car bingo event in his village, where he won 1,500 kroner, according to NRK. He immediately lost that sum on physical slot machines and started taking small amounts from family members to recoup losses, NRK reported. As an adult, he gambled away his entire salary upon receipt and used funds that were not his own, which had severe consequences for the club, according to NRK.
I had to win back what I had lost.
Before his appointment as daily manager and coach for the women's team, the board debated whether the club could afford the position, according to NRK. They trusted Alexander, seen as a skilled pedagogue strong in football matters, whose focus on community, mastery, joy, and physical activity aligned with Sverresborg's 'Football for everyone' vision, NRK reported.
In early December 2022, Alexander was lying in bed at home, unable to rest due to fear, with thoughts racing while playing a money game on his phone, according to NRK. After losing everything again, he accessed the club's bank account without hesitation, transferred the money, and continued gambling, NRK reported. According to NRK, Alexander described going to find someone to take over training before entering the clubhouse bathroom to gamble. His story is featured in the NRK TV series 'Hodet over vatnet'.
Then I went into the bathroom at the clubhouse, and there I gambled.
That is exactly the problem.