The RFU said whether the Brazilians from Zenit Malcolm and Claudinho, who will soon become citizens of the Russian Federation, can play in the Russian national team.
The fact that the players will receive Russian passports was previously announced by the blue-white-blue president Alexander Medvedev.
“Malcom played in official tournaments under the auspices of FIFA (not category A) for the Brazilian team. Therefore, in order for him to play for the Russian national team and not be considered a legionnaire, he will have to go through the procedure for changing sports citizenship through the chamber according to the status of the FIFA football court.
In this case, the condition of residence of 5 years in the territory of Russia must be observed. Therefore, a possible appeal to the FIFA chamber cannot be submitted before 2024, provided that he does not play for the Brazilian national team until then, ”the RFU press service said in a response, quoted by Bookmaker Rating.
Claudinho has not played for Brazil, but his five-year residency in Russia will expire in 2026. Before the RFU receives permission from FIFA, Malcolm and Claudinho will be legionnaires.
Malcolm has scored 12 goals in 17 games this season in the Russian Premier League, while his compatriot Claudinho has scored 3 goals in 14 games.
