Good global citizen? Russia opens door to foreign players

May 25 – In a desperate – some might argue futile – attempt to restore some kind of footballing credibility, Russia is increasing the limit on the number of foreign players allowed into its Premier League next season.

The move comes as the country is becoming increasingly isolated in world sport due to the war in Ukraine.

Russian Football Union chief Alexander Dyukov said a maximum of 13 foreign players could be included in Russian Premier League clubs’ squads and that up to eight of them could be on the pitch at one time starting next season.

But he did not explain why anyone would want to go to Russia to play in its domestic league given the country’s ban from football’s world and European stages and its shattered international reputation.

Russian clubs have been facing increasing financial difficulties since Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine on February 24

Spartak Moscow said on Monday it was dismantling its second-tier team and has also lost Nike as its kit sponsor because the team will not be participating in European club competition in the 2022-23 season.

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