FIFPRO welcomes Russian rule-change helping players affected by match-fixing

The amendment follows the problematic situation of the current players of FC Chaika. Last month, FUR’s disciplinary committee found that a former official of FC Chaika was guilty of match-fixing offences in 2018. The club was relegated from the second to the third level of Russian football and the official was banned from football for life.

The players currently employed by FC Chaika had no knowledge of ongoing disciplinary proceedings and many of them signed their contracts with the club after 2018.

However, these players are suffering the consequences of the disciplinary sanctions imposed by the FA. They now find themselves playing in the third tier, which means a substantial difference in playing conditions and job opportunities.

Following the request of several players, the Football Players' Union of Russia (OPSF) approached the FUR with a proposal to change the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players and allow players to terminate their contract without compensation or sporting sanctions if their club is relegated for match-fixing offences.

The FUR approved the proposal on 9 July, giving players the opportunity to sign with a new club. FIFPRO supports the amendment by the FUR, and we applaud the initiative by the player union to help prevent that players are unfairly affected by the actions of an official.