Football manager Haris Skenderovich recently spoke with Swedish footballer Armin Gigovich, who plays as a midfielder for Rostov, about a highly challenging period for the club and its players. The conversation touched on the complexities surrounding Gigovich’s current status and the implications for his international career should he return to Russia.
Skenderovich explained the dilemma plainly: if Gigovich returns to Russia, he risks being ineligible for the Swedish national team until FIFA clarifies the rules governing foreign-based players and international eligibility during periods of club disruption. Until FIFA provides a definitive ruling on the eligibility of legionnaires playing in Russia, concrete decisions cannot be made. This uncertainty has left Gigovich and the club in a wait-and-see position, with bookmakers and analysts closely watching the unfolding situation (as reported by sources monitoring football governance and player transfers).
Last spring, Gigovich capitalized on FIFA’s contract suspension provisions, which permit foreign players to suspend their contracts under certain conditions. He left Rostov during this window, a move that reflected both personal career planning and the broader pressures facing players who compete abroad when political or league changes affect contract status and club obligations. Rostov, like several other clubs, faced the challenge of operating with a reduced squad as a consequence of these departures, testing the team’s depth and tactical flexibility as the season progressed.
In the aftermath, Rostov found itself among the clubs in the Russian Premier League that experienced a significant reshaping of its playing personnel. Key defensive players Baštoš and Dennis Hadžikadunić departed, along with midfielders Pontus Almqvist and Armin Gigovich, midfielder Magnus Knudsen, and forward Ali Sow. The team concluded that campaign with a mid-table finish, impacted by the reduced squad and the adjustments necessary to maintain competition levels across the league schedule.
Following his exit from Rostov, Gigovich enrolled with Danish side Midtjylland on a loan arrangement, a move designed to keep him playing at a high level while his contractual situation with Rostov remained unresolved. His contract with Rostov remains in effect through the summer of 2025, subject to the outcomes of ongoing contractual and regulatory discussions, alongside the broader questions about player mobility under FIFA rules and league regulations in Russia.
From a broader perspective, Gigovich’s experience echoes earlier assessments by notable figures in Russian football, who have observed the strong influence of foreign players on a squad’s balance and the impact of international governance on club strategies. The situation also underscores the evolving relationship between player welfare, international representation, and league governance in a landscape where contractual terms can be affected by geopolitical and regulatory shifts. Analysts emphasize the importance of clear policy guidance from FIFA and national associations to protect player eligibility while allowing professional clubs to navigate unforeseen disruptions. The dialogue surrounding these issues continues to shape decisions for players like Gigovich and their clubs as they plan future seasons, transfers, and international duties.