The Russian football authorities have warned they could pursue legal action against FIFA after it extended a ruling which allows foreign players and coaching staff to unilaterally suspend their contracts at Russian clubs.
FIFA announced the move on Tuesday, continuing a policy initially introduced in March following the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine. Under the decision, any foreign player or coach at a Russian club can suspend their contract until June 30, 2023, without fear of punishment.
Responding in a joint statement on Friday, the Russian Football Union (RFU), Russian Premier League, and Russian clubs condemned the move as “discriminatory” and fundamentally damaging to the sport.
“FIFA has repeatedly declared that sport should remain out of politics, but the position of the organization clearly contradicts this,” read the statement.