ECJ ruling could see more Russian players with EU clubs

Clubs in European Union leagues could soon bring in more Russian-born players, after a European Court of Justice (ECJ) case has implied the Spanish Federation (RFEF) was discriminatory against Igor Simutenkov, a Russian-born midfielder who used to play for Spanish Primera Liga club CD Tenerife. In a non-binding opinion delivered on January 11, Christine Stix-Hackl, Advocate General to the European Court of Justice (ECJ), elaborated on the ruling, stating that, under the Commission-Russia partnership agreement, Russian nationals should be entitled to the same treatment as Community nationals when already employed in that country. Simutenkov is now playing at US Major League Soccer club Kansas City Wizards, but played in Spain for three years at Tenerife from 1999 until 2002. He had a contract of employment, a Spanish residence card and work permit, as well as a Spanish association licence for players from outside the European Community and European Economic Area. Stix-Hackl’s recommendations will holder. now be communicated to the ECJ, which will formally give a ruling later this year. Three Russian international players that took part in last Summer’s Euro 2004 tournament were from EU-based clubs: Alexei Smertin (English Premier League club Portsmouth), Alexander Mostovoy (Spanish Primera Liga club Celta Vigo) and Dmitri Alenichev (Portuguese Superliga club Porto).