"I have noticed that Rosenborg is struggling in the elite division and all who struggle need prayer," said clergyman Lars Sperre to Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK) in Trøndelag. Tempe is the church closest to Rosenborg's home pitch Lerkendal.
Tempe said that when Rosenborg loses many in the area become depressed, and he was sure his colleague Einar Gelius at Vålerenga Church in Oslo was also ready to petition for blessing if his local team faced adversity.
News agency NTB reports that Gelius has already discussed a thanksgiving service with Vålerenga director Kjetil Siem after this year's successful season is over. Gelius said he finds it natural to bring God into such circumstances.
Rosenborg player Fredrik Winsnes, who has a background with the Home Mission, does not agree with the football-following clergy.
"First, football matches don't mean that much, second, then one has to pray that things go badly for the opposing team," said Winsnes.
Rosenborg assistant trainer Bjørn Hansen wrote in to Adresseavisen to say he was skeptical about bringing the Lord into sporting rivalries.
"I don't think God accepts such thoughts and attitudes," Hansen wrote.
