NEWS
Salzburg ÖFB Youngster Played for Russia
The 17-year-old featured for Russia's U17 team, having previously played for Austria. However, this is not a classic change of national affiliation.
Rahman Katabov (17) currently plays in the FC Red Bull Salzburg academy.
The midfielder was already nominated for the ÖFB's U15 and U16 teams in 2024 and made two appearances there.
Now he is making his debut for another country. As the Salzburg-affiliated blog "VICTAURI" discovered, he was invited to the Russian U17 team and played for about 30 minutes against Serbia (2-1 for Russia).
Russia has actually been suspended by UEFA and FIFA from official matches since the war of aggression against Ukraine in 2022. In October 2026, the country was readmitted by the FIFA Council for the U15 World Cup for the first time.
ÖFB Knew Nothing
The academy operator – FC Liefering – confirmed to "VICTAURI" that it had been informed of the call-up.
The ÖFB received no information. "However, it is not obliged to do so," "VICTAURI" quotes the Austrian association.
Since Katabov only played friendly matches, there has been no classic FIFA change of national association.
