Fulham become first Prem club to take advantage of Fifa’s Ukraine war rule after transfer of Shakhtar’s Manor Solomon
FULHAM have become the first Premier League club to take advantage of FIFA’s ruling allowing players in Ukraine to suspend their contracts amid the war.
The Cottagers have landed Israeli forward Manor Solomon from Shakthar Donetsk on a one-year deal.
In June, Fifa decided to extend its ruling which allows foreign players and coaches based in Ukraine to suspend their contracts.
The current deal means that Solomon is currently expected to return to Donetsk in June 2023 – though Fulham could then strike a new agreement with the club to extend his stay.
As part of the ruling, Fulham must wait until August 1 to register Solomon, though he has been training with his new team-mates and joined them on the pre-season trip to Portugal.
Solomon said: “I’m really happy and delighted to be here at Fulham and I can’t wait to feel the special atmosphere at Craven Cottage.
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“There are some great players here and I am determined to help Fulham achieve its goals for the year.
“I also want to send a big hug to my friends and supporters in Ukraine. You are in my thoughts.”
Foreign players in Ukraine were initially allowed to suspend their deals from March – when Russia’s invasion began – but most Leagues banned the arrival of players outside of the transfer window.
Southampton and Leicester held talks to bring in Solomon’s team-mate Tete last season but were blocked by the Premier League‘s decision.
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The Brazilian ended up with French side Lyon after Ligue 1 allowed its clubs to take advantage of the ruling.
Solomon is Fulham’s third signing of the summer after Joao Palhinha and Andreas Pereira, with Swiss right-back Kevin Mbabu set to join from Wolfsburg after completing his medical over the weekend.