Top football manager resigns from Russian club over Ukraine invasion

• Markus Gisdol has called time on his Lokomotiv Moscow spell just five months after he was appointed as manager
• Gisdol revealed his decision to turn his back on the Moscow-based club was informed by Russia's move to invade Ukraine
• The 52-year-old who was appointed Lokomotiv boss back in October 2020 noted that his values would not allow him to continue working in Russia

Lokomotiv Moscow have been dealt a huge blow following a decision by their manager, Markus Gisdol, to resign over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The German tactician has spent the better part of his coaching career with clubs in his homeland.

However, he landed a managerial role with Lokomotiv Moscow back in October 2021, earning him a move out of his country.

Markus Gisdol resigns from Lokomotiv Moscow

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But after just five months at the helm of affairs at Lokomotiv Moscow, the 52-year-old has decided to call time on his stint with the Russian club.

According to Gisdol, his decision to turn his back on Lokomotiv Moscow was influenced by Russia's decision to wage a war on Ukraine.

The former Hoffenheim boss noted that his values cannot allow him to continue working in Russia, adding that he was convinced he has made the right decision.

"I cannot pursue my calling in a country whose leader is responsible for a war of aggression in the middle of Europe," Gisdol said as quoted by Metro UK.

"That is not in line with my values, which is why I have resigned from my position as coach of Lokomotiv Moscow with immediate effect," he added.

Lokomotiv Moscow are currently placed seventh on the Russian Premier League standings with 28 points from 18 matches.

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FIFA, UEFA sanction Russia

Earlier, Sports Brief reported FIFA and UEFA have banned the Russian national team and clubs from participating in all its competitions until further notice following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

The football governing bodies made the announcement on Monday, February 28, after an emergency meeting of the bureau of the FIFA Council and the Executive Committee of UEFA.

The decision taken means the Europa League last-16 matches between Spartak Moscow and RB Leipzig have been called off with the German club progressing to the quarter-finals.