Six Shakhtar Donetsk players refused to return to
the city following Saturday's friendly in France
because of concerns over the conflict in Ukraine.
Donetsk is currently controlled by pro-Russian
rebels, with the Ukrainian army attempting to
regain control.
Alex Teixeira, Fred, Dentinho, Douglas Costa,
Facundo Ferreyra and Ismaily did not fly back
after the game in Lyon.
Club president Rinat Akhmetov has warned that
the players may face sanctions if they do not
return.
"Players have contracts that they have to abide
by. If they do not come, I think, they will be the
first to suffer," Akhmetov told the club's website.
"Hopefully, the mind and heart will prevail over
misunderstanding, and the players will not follow
temptation and fear. Especially since there is
nothing to fear."
Five of the six players are Brazilian, with Ferreyra
hailing from Argentina, and have a reported
market value of £46m.
Shakhtar are currently not allowed to play home
matches at their Donbass Arena, due to the
conflict.
The new season is scheduled to begin this
weekend and the Ukrainian Football Federation
has yet to decide where the club will play.
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