Russian FA Confirms Plans To Absorb Crimean Clubs; FIFA Says No Request Given

The Russian Football Union on Monday "confirmed it plans to bring the two Crimean clubs currently in the Ukrainian Premier League over to the Russian league system," according to R-SPORT. The two Crimean clubs in the Ukrainian top flight are '92 champions Tavria Simferopol and FC Sevastopol, "both of whom have so far continued to play in the Ukrainian league despite their home region’s absorption by Russia." A FIFA spokesperson said that "football's world governing body had not been approached regarding the Crimea issue." The spokesperson said, "To date FIFA has not received any such request. FIFA has not approved anything." If the clubs were to move, a "certain process" of approval would need to be followed (R-SPORT, 3/24).