FIFA: rights for foreign players & coaches in Ukraine & Russia extended until 30/06/2026

Any foreign player or coach under contract with a Ukrainian or Russian club "will retain the right to unilaterally suspend their employment contracts (in view of the ongoing war in Ukraine) until 30/06/2026," announced FIFA on 01/07/2025.

The Bureau of the FIFA Council has decided to extend until that date "the application of Annexe 7 of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players" (titled "Temporary Rules Addressing the Exceptional Situation Deriving From the War in Ukraine", available to download).

"This extension ensures continued regulatory support for players, coaches and clubs impacted by the conflict and reflects FIFA's ongoing commitment to protecting the stability and integrity of the football system in exceptional circumstances," explained the world governing body.

"Annexe 7 was introduced in March 2022 as a temporary response to the crisis and has provided a critical framework for managing the extraordinary employment challenges faced by players and coaches because of the war. FIFA will continue to monitor the situation in Ukraine and Russia closely and remains…