Former Everton Midfielder Reportedly Drafted to Fight for Russia in the Ongoing War in Ukraine

Former Everton Midfielder Reportedly Drafted to Fight for Russia in the Ongoing War in Ukraine

Edwin Kiplagat
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:12 PM
  • Former Everton midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov has reportedly been summoned by Russia to fight in the Ukraine war
  • The 37-year-old currently coaches the Russian second division side Rodina Moscow II
  • Vladimir Putin launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February and recently ordered a partial mobilisation of troops

Former Premier League footballer Diniyar Bilyaletdinov has reportedly been called by his country Russia to fight in the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir recently ordered the mobilisation of a staggering 300,000 men to join the bloody war in Ukraine.

Ukraine, Russia, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, Everton, Premier League
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov had a successful career at the top level. Photos by David Rogers and Juan Barretto.
Source: Getty Images

Exciting feature: Check out news exactly for YOU ➡️ find "Recommended for you" block and enjoy!

According to the Mirror, Bilyaletdinov is expected to join the army as his country continues to battle with the Ukrainians in the seven-month-long conflict that has claimed thousands of lives.

The retired footballer now coaches Russia's second division team, Rodina Moscow II.

Bilyaletdinov's dad confirms summons from the Kremlin

The 37-year-old's father, Rinat Bilyaletdinov, says that his son received the summon by the Russian government.

"Diniyar really received a summons. That is, yes, he took the oath but served in the sports line. The law still says - to call people up to 35 years old, and he is 37, so there is some kind of inconsistency here."
“If there was a general mobilisation, then there is no need to ask questions. In the meantime, the president has established a partial one."

Bilyaletdinov joined Everton in 2009 for close to £9 million, which was their third-most-expensive ever signing at the time. He spent three seasons at Goodison Park; the midfielder scored six times in 46 matches for the Russian national team from 2005 to 2012.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February and has ordered a partial mobilisation of men up to 35 years old to join the war.

Real Madrid donates over $1 million to Ukraine

Sports Brief earlier reported on Real Madrid committing over $1 million to assist Ukraine as they battle Russia in the ongoing war.

Madrid raised over $1 million for Ukraine over the past year. The club raised the funds as part of its ‘All For Ukraine’ campaign.

The money was then donated to Spanish humanitarian organizations currently working in Ukraine and local partners on the ground.

Authors
Edwin Kiplagat photo
Edwin Kiplagat
Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.
Tags
World