Leicester City could add players to European squad after Uefa rule change over Ukraine conflict

Leicester City could bring in two players from Ukrainian or Russian clubs to help their bid for Europa Conference League glory following a Uefa rule change.

City are into the last eight in Europe, taking on PSV Eindhoven next month, and ahead of that game Uefa have announced that, following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, all clubs in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League will be able to amend their squad list and add up to two players previously registered with Ukrainian or Russian clubs.

Fifa announced earlier this month that, given the conflict, players’ contracts at their current clubs could be suspended until June 30, allowing them to temporarily sign for other teams in other countries.

So that those players can then participate in Uefa club competitions, European football’s governing body have now changed their rules too, they announced on Monday. However, the 24 clubs remaining in Uefa’s three tournaments would only have until April 1 to make their additions.

For City, it would seem Premier League backing of the rules may also be required. Uefa said in their statement: “To be eligible to participate in the abovementioned Uefa competitions, any such new player shall, among others, be duly registered with the national association as playing for the club concerned in accordance with the associations’ own rules and those of Fifa.”

And while there have been reports of certain leagues around the continent, including in France, adopting Fifa’s stance and allowing their clubs to bring in players from Ukrainian and Russian sides, there has been no suggestion that the Premier League will be changing their rules.

The changes made by Uefa only apply to players previously registered to Ukrainian and