Manchester United favorite Andrei Kanchelskis has shared his opinion on youngster Amir Ibragimov's call-up to the Russia national team.
Sport-Express Report Comments The 18-year-old was today a surprise inclusion in Russia's squad for upcoming international friendlies after the former winger.
Russia's surprising call
Sport Witness covered a report last week Having said that, it would be a surprise to see Amir Ibragimov included in the group for the upcoming games against Egypt, Burkina Faso and Trinidad.
It appears that the country is committed to keeping an eye on emerging talent for the future. And Kanchelskis believes it is the right decision for his nation.
"Are we going to the World Cup or the European Championship? We're not participating in anything, so we might as well watch that," he told S.E.
“Basically, we can now invite players we've been keeping an eye on for a while and watch them. Because once we start playing in all the tournaments, we won't have time to watch them.
"There's a lot of talk about Ibragimov, so we'll see how he is. There's nothing wrong with it; I think it's the right decision."
England eligibility
The question is whether the Manchester United youngster will be denied international options in the future.
The youngster is currently eligible for Russia and England. He was born in Byunask, Republic of Dagestan and holds Russian citizenship. But when he was 11 years old he moved to England and started his career in Sheffield United's academy.
He joined Manchester United in 2021 and has played for England at U15 and U16 level. So, playing for Russia could block him for the Three Lions.
However, according to championatHe is eligible to play for both countries. They have also contacted lawyer Mikhail Prokopets, who insists that this is the case. According to both, playing friendly matches will not prevent Ibragimov from playing for England in the future.
Even at senior level friendly matches are not considered "Matches in official competitions" According to FIFA terminology.
"This should be distinguished from the theoretical situation where Amir plays for any Russian national team in any official match (Euro, World Cup or qualifying match)," Prokopets said in an interview with Championat correspondent Yegor Kabak.
"In that case, if the player subsequently wishes to play for the England national team, he must apply to FIFA to change his nationality."
