MOSCOW, Oct 26, Alexander Sergeev. President of the Russian Futsal Association ( AMFR) Emil Aliyev said that there is no political motive in the situation with the non-admission of the Russian player of the Portuguese «Benfica» Ivan Chishkala to Romania. Earlier, «Benfica» reported that the 27-year-old Chishkala was not allowed into Romania for the Champions League match against the local United team Galati» because of the problems associated with his citizenship. «Ivan's situation is connected with bureaucratic delays. He has documents and a long-term visa to stay in Portugal. He could freely stay in any country in the Schengen zone. Romania is not included in this list, it is a candidate for EU membership. And for citizens like Ivan, an additional document is required, which the club did not know about when leaving for Romania. This was a great surprise and revelation. There is no political underlying reason in this matter. Ivan himself confirms this,» Aliyev said. Chishkala has been playing for Benfica since 2020, in May the football player extended his contract with the club until 2025.
