FIFA has announced temporary changes to the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP) for Russian and Ukrainian players, coaches, and clubs. FIFA announced the changes in an official statement on March 8, informing all foreign players and coaches that their contracts with Ukrainian clubs would be suspended until the end of the season. At the same time, FIFA stated that if Russian clubs affiliated with the Football Union of Russia (FUR) do not reach an agreement with their foreign players and coaches by March 10, they will have the right to terminate their contracts until the end of the Russian season on June 30, 2022.
FIFA stated in its announcement that the decision regarding Ukrainian clubs was made in order to give players and coaches the opportunity to work and earn money. Unless both parties agree otherwise, Ukrainian clubs would benefit from the amendments as well. The Ukrainian football season was abruptly halted following Russia's brutal attack on the country less than a fortnight ago, and it will end on June 30, 2022.
Meanwhile, FIFA, in clarifying its decision regarding Russian clubs, stated that it seeks to facilitate the departure of foreign players and coaches from the country. "The suspension of a contract as per the paragraphs above will mean that players and coaches will be considered "out of contract" until 30 June 2022 and will thus be free to sign a contract with another club without facing any consequences," the global football governing body explained the changes. Since President Vladimir Putin's decision to invade Ukraine, the Russian football community has suffered greatly.
