FIFA to reopen transfer market for foreign players at Russian clubs

During the next few hours, FIFA are planning to announce the reopening of the transfer market for around 100 foreign players who are currently based at Russia clubs. It is an exceptional measure and one which has been taken as a consequence of the country's conflict with Ukraine. According to the New York Times, a series of tough negotiations between FIFPro, the World Leagues Forum, UEFA and FIFA led to this solution, which will effectively give foreign players in Russia a means of escape.

Foreign players in Russia can rescind their contracts

The measure would allow foreign players to rescind their contracts and look for a new club where they will be able to play from now until the end of the season, although they would have to return to their respective clubs on 30 June. Much will depend on how the situation develops in the meantime. If the conflict continues or worsens, another decision will have to be taken.

FIFPro and the World Leagues Forum have put pressure on FIFA to act through a letter in which they demanded that world football's governing body took into consideration the foreign players who are currently in a country which is war. While the transfer windows of all of the major European leagues closed on 1 February, the market will temporarily reopen to give affected players the chance to join a new club, if only for the new few months. It's worthwhile remembering that Russian clubs are currently suspended from taking part in any international competition.