The Russian Embassy in Belgium has clarified through the agency RIA Novosti that there is no information about Alexander Rasputko, a Shakhtar Donetsk footballer who chose not to return to Ukrainian territory after a meeting with Antwerp in the UEFA Youth League.
According to the embassy, Rasputko did not reach out to them, and diplomatic officials say they have no data about his whereabouts or intentions.
News about Rasputko’s alleged escape surfaced on October 13. Reports indicated that only his neatly abandoned jersey was discovered at the airport, and that the player had removed all posts from his social networks and stopped answering calls. The Brutal Football Telegram channel claimed Rasputko had fled to Russia and had applied for political asylum.
The 19-year-old talent had signed a five-year contract with Shakhtar in the summer. While part of the Ukrainian youth team, he appeared in four matches, contributing no goals.
In related commentary, former Dinamo coach Miodrag Bozovic criticized Russia for what he described as a European fixation, suggesting that Russian attitudes toward European players or competitors are shaped by ingrained stereotypes.