Shakhtar Donetsk have filed a complaint against FIFA with the European Commission, alleging that the decision to allow their foreign players to suspend contracts cost them 40 million euros.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year, FIFA allowed foreign players based in the country to suspend their contracts until June 2023, allowing them to secure short-term moves to other locations.
Claiming that these measures will likely be extended until June 2024, Shakhtar, whose appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport was rejected, vowed to continue challenging the decision.
In a statement, the club’s chief executive, Sergei Palkin, said: “Actions have been taken to file this complaint with the European Commission, given the importance of Shakhtar trading on the transfer market with players in the European Union.
“Therefore, it is perfectly legal and fair to bring this complaint to the EU Commission, since FIFA’s actions violate EU competition law.
“The excessive measures taken by FIFA have resulted in a massive loss of player transfer income and a depletion of the club’s core income of approximately €40 million.
“We expect the European Commission to understand and appreciate the extreme financial pressure on our club due to FIFA’s actions at a time when an illegal war is ravaging our country.”
FC Shakhtar has filed a complaint with the European Commission over a dispute with FIFA on the disqualification of international players and coaches.https://t.co/txpPbfuMxc
— FC SHAKHTAR ENGLISH (@FCShakhtar_eng) March 30, 2023