Compensation schemes have been in operation in the country but the NIF says that some clubs and organisations have fallen outside of the remit.

These clubs have experienced "large financial losses" as a result of COVID-19 and are in need of support, NIF said.

"Norwegian sports have been saved by the compensation schemes that have been introduced after the corona pandemic hit the country in March," said NIF President Berit Kjøll. 

"The schemes have prevented bankruptcies, closures and large financial losses across the entire sports spectrum. 

"It has been important, but the scheme must be expanded to embrace the part of sport that has fallen completely outside all support schemes, or which has come out very poorly.

"We therefore urge that those organisational members who fall completely outside or have performed very poorly are also included in the compensation scheme.

"This is crucial to prevent the activity from being closed down and organisational members going bankrupt, and for the economy as a barrier not to increase for vulnerable groups."

Examples of groups which have not been eligible for funding include martial arts, kickboxing and dance clubs, the NIF said, as well as voluntary gyms.

"The Norwegian Sports Confederation therefore asks the Government for 160 million in special support measures for those affected by this, either within the current compensation scheme or in some other way," NIF said.