Russian side FC Krasnodar have agreed to suspend the contracts of eight of their foreign players.
This move is another in the list of turbulent changes across the football world in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
For instance, earlier in the week, FIFA and UEFA banned Russian national and club sides from competing in international tournaments until further notice.
In addition, individuals have been taking a stand in solidarity with Ukraine.
Players and coaches stand with Ukraine
Former Ukrainian international Yaroslav Rakitskiy left Russian club Zenit Saint Petersburg. The defender had shared a pro-Ukrainian post on Instagram and requested time off, but has now left the Russian side.
Similarly, former Liverpool striker Andriy Voronin left his side Dynamo Moscow. The Ukrainian was working for the club as their assistant coach.
Basketball players are also leaving Russia because of the invasion in Ukraine. CSKA Moscow’s basketball team has had a number of international players return home. However, they have not terminated their contracts.
Georgian player Tornike Shengelia was very outspoken. In a statement, the basketball star gave his full support to Ukraine. On leaving CSKA Moscow, he said (quotes via Marca): “I do not consider it possible to continue playing for the Russian army club”.
Finally, switching back to football and FC Krasnodar, the club are now without a manager. Former Norwich boss Daniel Farke has left his role in light of the conflict in Ukraine. He did not take charge of Krasnodar for a single game. The club also cancelled the contracts of his backroom staff.
Now, the Russian club has agreed to suspend some of its squad.
Which players have been released by Krasnodar?
The Russian side had a handful of high-profile international players. All of them have been suspended from their contracts, meaning they must train alone and away from the club. The contract suspensions affect eight players in total.
Newcastle fans may recognize the name Remy Cabella. The Frenchman is one of the affected players. He is reportedly training back home in France with Montpellier.
Another high-profile suspension is former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak. The Polish international, who also had a mixed loan spell at West Bromwich Albion, only signed a contract with the club in August. The Daily Mirror claimed that he wanted to fully terminate his contract, but Krasnodar would not agree.
Summer signing Jhon Cordoba is also a player whose contract is on hold. Krasnodar signed him for £16.5 million in the summer, from German side FC Koln.
The other affected players are Wanderson, Junior Alonso, Cristian Ramirez, Kaio, Viktor Claesson, and Erik Botheim.
Krasnodar’s decision to suspend international players leaves large gaps in their squad.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
