General Secretary of the Russian Football Union (RFU) Maxim Mitrofanov made a sensational statement: players from Brazil, India, China and South Africa may no longer be considered legionnaires in our country. This can radically change Russian football, and the consequences will become unpredictable.
A revolutionary idea? The Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg presents not only political, but also sporting surprises. As part of the session «Prospects for international football cooperation between African and Russian countries», RFU Secretary General Mitrofanov said that if an agreement with the BRICS on the free movement of labor is adopted, the citizens of these countries will no longer be listed as legionnaires in our football.
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"The limit on foreign players is determined by the Russian Ministry of Sports, not the RFU. Nevertheless, you know that there are precedents when Russia concludes agreements, an example of such an agreement exists with Belarus, within the framework of the EAEU, they are not considered legionnaires in Russia. Just yesterday I was asked the question that rumors appeared on the sidelines of the forum that some kind of similar agreement would be signed with the BRICS countries. If, in this context, it is signed and extends its effect, for example, to South Africa, then in this case, the players of certain countries may not be considered legionnaires in Russia,” Mitrofanov said.
We emphasize once again that we are talking about legionnaires from four countries at once — Brazil, India, China and South Africa. If the players from India and China at the moment are unlikely to significantly strengthen the championship of Russia, then the players from South Africa are more qualified. You can remember the legend of “Locomotive” Jacob Lekheto, the champion of Russia in the “Rubin” Macbeth Sibayu, the defender of “Rostov” and “Wings of the Soviets” Matthew Bout. All of them have left a significant mark on Russian football, and the South African team is quite capable.
Brazilians are the main factor But, of course, the main factor will be the possible removal of the status of foreign players from the Brazilians. Football players from this country already come to Russia en masse even during the period of sanctions and are not afraid of the lack of European cups and other restrictions. In case of a positive decision for the BRICS countries, the Brazilians will be the best option for the bosses of absolutely all clubs in the country. And this is where problems can begin.
The flow of players can become an avalanche and little controllable. This will inevitably affect the number of places for the Russians in the starting lineups of the clubs. The fact is that the Brazilians, although they will no longer be considered legionnaires, will still not be able to play for the Russian national team without our passport. And if they are all given them, then this will also cause controversy. People will rightly say that the Brazilians will get a Russian passport, play for our country, and then go back. Of course, some will remain, but not all.
On the other hand, if the RFU and the Ministry of Sports manage to find a way to control the process, this could be a plus for the development of the Russian championship. Legionnaires at the same time must be of a high level, superior in strength to local guys. In this case, a bold idea will make sense. Our players will get a chance to play next to strong partners and will progress themselves. But for now, this million dollar initiative has more questions than answers.