Former Everton footballer Diniyar Bilyaletdinov has been called up to fight for the Russian army in Ukraine, according to reports.
The former midfielder, who is currently coaching Rodina Moscow II in Russia’s Second League, was summoned to serve according to his father - who questioned inconsistencies in the partial mobilisation from president Vladimir Putin.
The dictator last week announced plans to mobilise 300,000 men up to 35 years old amid losing battles on the frontline, which should have ruled the 37-year-old Bilyaletdinov out.
Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu also claimed that only those who have combat experience would be called up to the frontlines. But a demand to serve was sent and the Bilyaletdinovs are currently trying to establish if it was delivered mistakenly, potentially early should Russia plan to expand the mobilisation.
“Diniyar really received a summons,” his father Rinat said in quotes published by multiple Russian outlets. “It is difficult to talk about emotions, because he did not serve, although he did military service, but it was specific, with a sports bias. It was 19 years ago.
“That is, yes, he took the oath, but served in the sports line. The law still says - to call people up to 35 years old, and he is 37, so there is some kind of inconsistency here. Now he will find out whether this agenda is correct or whether it was sent early. Anything can happen.
“If there was a general mobilisation, then there is no need to ask questions. In the meantime, the president has established a partial one, everything should be according to the law.”
Earlier this summer Bilyaletdinov criticised former Chelsea wing back Victor Moses for not turning up at Spartak Moscow pre-season training.
“Such actions are not respectable. If you want to break the contract, you need to come and express your position like a man,” Bilyaletdinov said in late June.
“In Spartak, people are not stupid. But hiding and not getting in touch is not worthy of a professional. Especially at the level of Moses. I’m shocked by this. It would be nice if a player of a smaller calibre did this. But Moses has to behave solidly.
“If it so happens that he will no longer play for Spartak, it will be a big loss for the club. He proved to everyone that he is a high-class player.”
Bilyaletdinov joined Everton in 2009 for about £9m, at the time their third most-expensive ever signing, and spent three seasons at Goodison Park. He scored six times in 46 matches for the Russian national team in 2005–2012.
