FIFA criticised for weak amendment to transfer rules in light of Ukraine war

FIFA have amended their transfer and contract rules due to the escalating Russian invasion of Ukraine, giving players in the region some flexibility, but they’ve been criticised for their weak response.

The press release highlights that foreign players and coaches contracted to Ukrainian clubs will have their contracts suspended until the end of the season in June, allowing them to sign for other clubs for the remainder of this campaign. This includes Shakhtar Donetsk coach Roberto De Zerbi, who previously worked at Sassuolo.

Foreign players and coaches will also have the option to unilaterally suspend their contracts with Russian clubs until the end of the season in June, allowing them to work abroad as well.

FIFA adopts temporary employment and registration rules to address several issues in relation to war in Ukraine

▶️ https://t.co/odNLmadIcs pic.twitter.com/SvLubX3Z5c

— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) March 7, 2022

Many are already starting to criticise FIFA for this response, suggesting that the amendments do not go far enough in scope and are barely effective.

FIFPRO, the largest footballer’s union, called the decision “too timid” and noted that it’s “hard for players to find employment for remainder of season with uncertainty looming over them and within a few weeks, they will be in a very difficult situation once again.”

FIFPRO response, say decision 'too timid'. "Hard for players to find employment for remainder of season with uncertainty looming over them + within a few weeks, they will be in a very difficult situation once again." https://t.co/2ct4uEMefx

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) March 7, 2022

Many have also started to point out how Poland’s World Cup qualifier against Russia hasn’t been called off, but instead pushed back to the summer, suggesting that FIFA would still prefer for the game to go ahead if possible, depending on the status of the war in Ukraine.