FIFA Are Being Asked To Terminate Contracts Of Foreign Players In Russia For Free

There are calls for FIFA to allow foreign players plying their trade in Russia to terminate their contracts without any cost following the country's invasion of Ukraine.

Many players have been left in limbo and fearing for their lives following recent events.

However, as of yet there has been no word on what is happening with foreign players in Russia.

FIFPro, who act as a union to footballers worldwide, are urging FIFA to change their transfer policy.

“We have urged FIFA to do that. This must be arranged as soon as possible," FIFPro board member Louis Everard told VI.

"The increasingly escalating conflict seems to us to be a reason to be able to terminate the contract without having to pay compensation to the club. We are now discussing this.

"Given the extremely worrying situation, we believe that players should be given the freedom to leave the country. We want clarity on this as soon as possible.'

As it stands, there are 133 foreign players playing in the Russian Premier League, including former Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren, former Ajax winger Quincy Promes and Malcom, who briefly played for Barcelona.

Just short of 200 players would be able to leave for free if FIFPro are successful with their proposition.

FIFPro previously issued a statement on FIFA imposing the "lightest of sanctions on the Russian Football Union (RFS)" - which was that Russia had to play in a neutral venue, without the flag or national anthem.

In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, FIFA allowed contracts to be automatically extended following the disrupted season.