Consequences for Shakhtar U-19 Ukrainian footballer who escaped to Russia are named

Sports lawyer Ilia Skoropashkin is confident that Shakhtar U-19 midfielder Oleksandr Rosputko, who did not return to Ukraine with the team after the 2-1 UEFA Youth League Group Stage 2 match against Antwerp, may face liability for breach of contract with the Donetsk club. According to Skoropashkin, the fine procedure is usually stipulated in the contract itself and can amount to seven figures.

"After Zinchenko's case, Shakhtar has been stipulating very substantial fines in the contracts. I saw a figure of 30 million euros in some documents. Another question is the validity of such a fine and the possibility of actually collecting it. But this is a matter for the club's lawyers," Ukrainian Football quoted Skoropashkin as saying.

The lawyer believes that FIFA's new rule, which was adopted after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, does not apply to Rosputko.

"Having a valid contract with one club, it is technically impossible for a player to apply to another club even with the amendments. This can only be done after the expiration of the current contract or through a notice of termination due to any violations," the expert says.

The lawyer is sure that if a breach of contract is proven, then the player may be subject to disciplinary sanctions in the form of a sports disqualification of up to 6 months in addition to the fine stipulated in the agreement.

Skoropashkin also reminded that the new club may also be penalized for inducing the player to breach the contract.

At the same time, the lawyer sees no way to punish Rosputko for not returning from abroad.

"From the point of view of Ukrainian legislation, there is currently no criminal liability for late return from abroad unless there is evidence that a person is evading conscription or mobilization in this way," Skoropashkin concluded.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, Shakhtar Donetsk youth team midfielder Oleksandr Rosputko disappeared after the UEFA Youth League 2nd round match against Antwerp. The 19-year-old native of Horlivka was not on the plane on which the Shakhtar players were returning to Ukraine from Belgium.

Later, many media outlets spread information that Oleksandr could have fled to Russia. In particular, it was reported that the footballer was with the Zvezda club from St. Petersburg.

For its part, Shakhtar Donetsk confirmed the disappearance of its player, expressing hope that he would return.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!