FIFA let foreigners leave Russia, Ukraine

FIFA have intervened to allow foreign players and coaches based in Russia to leave their clubs on Monday, although only for the rest of the season.

Clubs in other countries will be allowed to sign up to two players who had been at clubs in Russia or Ukraine outside of the transfer window.

Ukraine's league has been suspended since war engulfed the country, and its players are also allowed to temporarily leave until June 30.

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FIFPRO and the organisation representing the world's soccer leagues -- the World Leagues Forum -- sought permission for Russia-based players to terminate their contracts.

But they were told by FIFA that players and coaches "will have the right to unilaterally suspend their employment contracts with the (Football Union of) Russia-affiliated clubs in question until the end of the season in Russia," which is June 30.

After Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, FIFA suspended the country from international soccer games last week but has yet to suspend its soccer federation or officials.

But the umbrella organisation representing European leagues has already expelled Russia's top leagues as members.

There are hundreds of foreign players in Russia who would typically not be able to leave their clubs or sign for new ones outside the two transfer trading periods in the year.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin after Russia staged the 2018 World Cup. FIFA has declined to respond to questions from The Associated Press in detail about Russia over the last week or whether Infantino has been in contact with Putin, who awarded him Russia's Order of Friendship medal.

Russian clubs are already seeing