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Brazilian Star Cites Club Commitments After Racism Outcry
In a surprising turn of events, Zenit St Petersburg’s Brazilian forward Hulk has withdrawn from his role as a draw assistant for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The decision comes just days after the striker publicly condemned the “gross and ugly” racism prevalent in Russian football. Winbdt sources confirm that former Russia captain Alexey Smertin will replace Hulk at the event in St Petersburg.
While FIFA attributed the withdrawal to “club commitments,” the timing raises eyebrows. Zenit faces FC Ural in a Russian Premier League clash this Sunday, but no fixture changes were made after Hulk’s initial participation was announced. The striker expressed regret, stating:
“It was a great honor to be invited, but due to training schedules, travel logistics, and time zone challenges, I cannot attend.”
Hulk in action for Zenit St Petersburg (Credit: Zenit Media)
Villas-Boas’ Influence and the Sporting Justification
Andre Villas-Boas, Zenit’s head coach, reportedly requested Hulk‘s exclusion to prioritize team preparation. Alexey Sorokin, CEO of Russia 2018’s organizing committee, emphasized:
“This was purely a sporting decision. Zenit has a critical away match, and the coach wants the squad to travel together.”
However, critics speculate whether Hulk’s recent remarks about systemic racism influenced the move. Earlier this week, the Brazilian revealed:
“Racism occurs in nearly every Russian match, but it’s often suppressed. The world doesn’t hear about it.”
High-Profile Replacements and Tournament Outlook
The draw will still feature football legends like Ronaldo, Samuel Eto’o, and Fabio Cannavaro. Meanwhile, Hulk’s absence casts a shadow over Russia’s readiness to address racial discrimination ahead of the 2018 World Cup.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity for Dialogue
Hulk’s withdrawal highlights deeper issues in Russian football, balancing sporting priorities with societal challenges. While Winbdt respects Zenit’s competitive focus, the incident underscores the need for FIFA and host nations to confront racism head-on.
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