Russian Footballer Changed Citizenship for World Cup Bid, But Was Unlucky
FIFA has not allowed Bodø/Glimt goalkeeper Nikita Khaikin to play for the Norwegian national team. As a result, he will most likely miss the 2026 World Cup.
Nikita Khaikin
Earlier, Khaikin applied to change his sporting citizenship — from Russian to Norwegian. In April, he received a Norwegian passport, and the local national team was counting on him ahead of the World Cup.
However, FIFA rejected Khaikin's application. The reason is that the international federation's rules require five years of continuous residence in a country to change football association, if the player does not have a birthright or family roots in that state.
Khaikin had lived in Norway since 2019, but in 2023 he briefly moved to English club Bristol City. After returning to Norway, the five-year period, according to FIFA rules, restarted.
As a result, the goalkeeper will only be eligible to play for the Norwegian national team in 2028.
30-year-old Khaikin was born in Israel, grew up in Russia, and also holds British citizenship. He previously trained in the academies of Moscow Dynamo, as well as English clubs Chelsea, Portsmouth, and Reading.
Last season, the goalkeeper performed brilliantly in the Champions League as part of Bodø/Glimt. The Norwegian club sensationally reached the playoffs and knocked Inter Milan out of the competition.
The Norwegian Football Association is currently continuing consultations with FIFA and may file an appeal.
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