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Russian clubs will be powerless to stop foreign stars RIPPING UP contracts and leaving for free under emergency rules

FIFA is set to allow foreign players with Russian clubs to rip up their contracts and move THIS season.

World chiefs have indicated they will back the emergency call for transfer regulations to be put on hold for Russia-based players.

Ukraine star Yaroslav Rakitskiy has already exited Zenit St Petersburg after demanding to leave the Russian top-flight leaders
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Ukraine star Yaroslav Rakitskiy has already exited Zenit St Petersburg after demanding to leave the Russian top-flight leadersCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Everton's Ukrainian defender Vitaliy Mykolenko led out his team in his country's flag ahead of the 2-0 FA Cup win over Boreham Wood
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Everton's Ukrainian defender Vitaliy Mykolenko led out his team in his country's flag ahead of the 2-0 FA Cup win over Boreham WoodCredit: AFP

The international players’ union Fifpro has urged Fifa to intervene after Russian teams were banned from international competitions.

Fifpro said: “These foreign players may rightfully consider that they are not willing to represent any longer a Russian team.

“They should be able to immediately terminate their contract with their employer without facing any sanction whatsoever from international bodies.

“And they should be allowed to be registered in a new club without being restricted by transfer period regulations.”

It follows Ukraine star Yaroslav Rakitskiy quitting Zenit St Petersburg on Wednesday a week after after Russia invaded his homeland.

The Russian Premier League leaders agreed to terminate the 32-year-old defender's contract - days after he was dropped for slamming Russia on Instagram.

Fifpro's call has been backed by the World Leagues Forum and it is understood Fifa is ready to agree.

It comes as the Russian Football Union said it would formally appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to get the Fifa and Uefa ban overturned.

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The Russian body said: “We believe Fifa and Uefa did not have a legal basis when deciding on the removal of Russian teams.”

Meanwhile, Premier League captains will wear special yellow and blue armbands this weekend to show support for Ukraine.

Top-flight clubs agreed to the unified gesture and fans will also be asked to fall silent before kick off.

Big screens and perimeter boards will display “Football Stands Together” with the colours of the Ukrainian flag in the background.

A Prem spokesman said: “This message of solidarity will also be visible to fans around the world across Premier League digital channels.

“Logos and profiles on those platforms will change to represent the colours of the Ukrainian flag, which will also be displayed across match broadcasts both in the UK and overseas.”

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