Kutuzov enters self-imposed exile

Change of tune
The 26-year-old from Serie A club Parma FC played the 90 minutes of Belarus's 2-2 Group G draw at home to Albania on 2 September, but was omitted from the 18-man squad for the 3-0 defeat in Eindhoven four days later. Kutuzov had initially seemed willing to accept his coach's decision, but two weeks on, has told the Belarus Football Federation, "I am asking not to be involved in the European Championship qualifiers because I want to regain full fitness and win a starting place at my club."

Door still open
The forward, who has scored nine goals in 32 internationals, will therefore be unavailable for the EURO games against Romania and Slovenia next month, although Puntus is keeping the door to the national team open. "We will be in touch again," the coach said. "When the emotions have died down, a final decision can be made." Kutuzov, who was loaned by AC Milan to Sporting Clube de Portugal and US Avellino before spending two seasons with UC Sampdoria, joined Parma this summer.