"In view of the connection with our team coach Zubov," - at Russia scolded Rosputko

Russian club Zvezda St Petersburg have somehow very snaggily disassociated themselves from Shakhtar U-19 player Oleksandr Rosputko, who escaped after travelling to Belgium for a UEFA Youth League match, and according to some reports went to Russia.

"Today many media outlets are spreading news about Shakhtar player Oleksandr Rosputko. The footballer left the location of the Donetsk club and asked for political asylum in Russia. Some speculate that the player may end up at Zvezda due to his connection with our team coach Gennadiy Zubov. On behalf of the club we declare that this player has nothing to do with our club. We demand to stop spreading this unverified information," the Russian club said in a statement.