PAOK and Ozdoev face visa hurdles ahead of Conference League clash with Hearts
PAOK vice-president Makis Gagatsis explained that the club is awaiting further document verification for Russian midfielder Magomed Ozdoev, who has not yet secured a UK visa. The checking process is taking longer than expected, and the team is awaiting confirmation before a visa decision is finalized, according to reports from Sports24.
Gagatsis noted that Ozdoev, like other Russian nationals, must clear additional verification steps to obtain a United Kingdom visa. The club is hopeful that clearance will come in time, but the situation remains unresolved as of now.
The match against Hearts in the Conference League is scheduled for tomorrow. If Ozdoev does not receive the visa today, he is unlikely to participate in the game in Edinburgh, which could impact PAOK’s plans for the fixture.
The Conference League meeting with Hearts is set for August 24 in Edinburgh with a kickoff at 21:45 Moscow time.
Ozdoev joined PAOK after playing for Fatih Karagümrük in Turkey last season. In the 2022/23 campaign, the Russian midfielder appeared in 34 matches and scored five goals. PAOK announced his signing on August 7, and he made his club debut on August 10 in the third qualifying round of the Conference League, a 0-0 draw against Hajduk Split of Croatia.
Since 2014, Ozdoev has been a call-up option for the Russian national team, accumulating more than 30 appearances to date. The ongoing visa situation adds another layer of anticipation for his international duties and his role with PAOK this season, as discussed in football circles and by analysts following the club’s transfer activity. Former coach Yuri Semin has recently offered guidance to Miranchuk, who was not included in Atalanta’s squad, a development that has sparked dialogue about roster decisions and national team selection among pundits and fans alike.