Can Batrakov Play with Domestic Status? The TDT Debate in Russia

According to a report by Russian journalist Ivan Karpov, there is talk in Russia of joining the Organization of Turkic States (TDT) in order to reduce the impact of international sanctions on athletes. At the center of the debate is the possibility that the domestic status regulation applied to footballers from Turkic states in Türkiye during the 2023-2024 season could return to the agenda.

The report states that if this regulation is reapplied and Russia is included in its scope, Russian footballers could gain a significant advantage in Süper Lig transfers. In this scenario, Aleksei Batrakov could play in a domestic status shirt, and Matvey Kislyak could move to Turkish clubs without being counted against the foreign player quota. If this happens, a new period could begin for Batrakov and Kislyak in terms of their status in the Süper Lig.

However, a change in Russia's relations with the organization alone would not be enough. The Turkish Football Federation would also need to apply the relevant status regulation so that it covers these players.

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov reportedly said that he finds the proposal for Russia to join the organization reasonable and that such a possibility exists. Even so, whether this formula will be put into practice remains uncertain.