The RFU said that theoretically Malcolm and Claudinho can play for the Russian national team
The communications service of the Russian Football Union (RFU) spoke about the upcoming issuance of Russian passports to the Brazilian players of Zenit Malcolm and Claudinho. It is reported by “RB Sport”.
“There is a theoretical possibility that they will be able to play for the Russian national football team and will no longer be considered legionnaires,” the organization said in a statement. It is clarified that for this it is necessary to receive an official letter from the Brazilian Football Confederation indicating the matches played by the players in the team.
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Brazilians will also have to change sports citizenship. According to the regulations of the International Football Federation (FIFA), this can be done after five years of residence in Russia, provided that the athletes did not play for the Brazilian national team during this period. Malcolm, who has already played for the national team in official tournaments, will have to apply to the chamber on the status of the FIFA football tribunal.
On February 17, it became known that the players will receive Russian passports in the spring of 2023. Malcolm, who has been playing for Zenit since 2019, became the winner of the Russian Cup and a three-time national champion, and also won the Russian Super Cup three times. Claudinho joined the Blue-White-Blues in 2021 and, together with the club, became the champion of Russia and the owner of the Russian Super Cup.
Source: Lenta
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