"Israel is there, but we are not": Russian footballer complains that FIFA has offended Russia

Rostov striker Yegor Golenkov has ridiculously accused the International Football Federation (FIFA) of double standards. The 25-year-old native of Samara was outraged by the exclusion of the Russian national team from the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which will take place on December 13.

Golenkov said this in an interview with the propaganda outlet Sport-Express, repeating traditional Kremlin narratives. In particular, the forward expressed dissatisfaction that, along with the suspension of the Russians, Israel will take part in the qualification for the World Cup.

"Criticism of opponents for the national team? FIFA gives points for any match. There were no alternatives. It is better to play like this than not to play at all. Now we are looking at next year - the opponents are supposed to be better. It's a shame not to be included in the 2026 World Cup draw. Israel is there, but we are not. Double standards," Golenkov said.

It should be noted that such statements are made all the time. For example, the honorary president of the Russian Football Union (RFU), Vyacheslav Koloskov, demanded that FIFA punish Ukraine and Israel because "people are dying." And RFU Secretary General Maksim Mitrofanov accused international federations of bias against Russia.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, FIFA has made an important decision regarding the Ukrainian national team regarding the 2026 World Cup qualifying draw procedure.

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