Brazilians Malcolm and Claudinhoplayers of Zenith Saint Petersburgthey will receive Russian citizenship after receiving the approval of the competent authorities, informed the general director of the team, Alexander Medvedevin the official agency TASS.
“They informed us about it and – the authorization – made the players happy. Now we are waiting for the date of the swearing-in ceremony to be set,” he explained. Until they finally receive the Russian identity document in hand, it can still take many months and even years.
This does not mean that they can play with the choice
The executive of zenith emphasized that the acquisition of citizenship by Malcolm and Claudinho this does not mean that they can immediately play with the selection. “Citizenship of the country is not equivalent to sports citizenship. Some time must pass before they can play for the Russian team,” he said. Medvedev.
Last September the CEO of zenith indicated in TASS that, if the two players receive Russian citizenship in 2024 in the case of Malcolm and in 2026 at Claudinhoit is possible to discuss obtaining sports citizenship, which is equivalent to the right to play in the Russian national team.
Olympic champions with Brazil
Malcolm and ClaudinhoOlympic champions with their country at Tokyo 2020, are 25 and 26 years old, respectively, and play in zenith from 2019 in the first case and from 2021 in the second.
On July 22, the zenith announced the renewal of the contracts of both players until the end of 2026-27.
Source: La Verdad

I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.