Shakhtar release foreign duo
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Article summary
FC Shakhtar Donetsk have released foreign players Nenad Lalatovic and João Batista following a ruling in Ukraine.
Article body
Lalatovic leaves
The 27-year-old Serbo-Montenegrin defender Lalatovic, who has been linked with a return to former side FK Crvena Zvezda, was a peripheral figure as Shakhtar claimed the championship, making just four starts. Brazilian midfielder João Batista, 30, appeared seven times in his first season at the club but he too has been judged surplus to requirements.
New ruling
The decision is also a response to the new Football Federation of Ukraine ruling that restricts teams to eight foreign players on the pitch at any one time. "We have released Lalatovic even though his contract was due to expire in ten months' time," coach Mircea Lucescu said. "Both of them have to be replaced by Ukrainian players due to the foreign player restrictions."
Volyn opener
Shakhtar visit FC Volyn Lutsk today in their opening fixture of the new Premier League season. They begin their UEFA Champions League campaign in the third qualifying round on 9/10 August.