Sheffield United wonderkid Ahmedhodzic joins veteran teammates in stance against Russia friendly

On February 28th, 2022, all Russian football teams, club and national were suspended from participation in both FIFA and UEFA competitions due to the Russia invasion of Ukraine.

This saw Russian club giants Spartak Moscow removed from the Europa League as well as the Russian National Team kicked out of the World Cup ahead of their playoff semi-final match with Poland and their Nations League Group with Iceland, Israel, and Albania.

Despite the ongoing conflict, two friendlies have been scheduled to take place with Kyrgyzstan at the end of September and Bosnia and Herzegovina set for the 19th of November in Saint Petersburg; the day before the Qatar World Cup begins.

The match with Bosnia has been met with a lot of backlash, with the vice president of the football association of Bosnia believing it is not the best option for the country. Stating he opposed the decision to schedule the match, which was made by the association's Emergency Committee.

He had requested the entire executive committee be consulted. "In addition to all the benefits, I think we should respect where we live and how we live. In my opinion it is not the best option for Bosnia.” However, Zvjezdan Misimovic, an adviser to the president of Bosnia said he found no reason not to hold the match. And stated, “athletes should not be involved in politics”.

Several of the Bosnian international players have had a problem with this match going forward with two of their most high-profile players leading the stance. Former Juventus and Barcelona midfielder, Miralem Pjanic shared his opinions to Bosnian media expressing, “The decision is not good. I am speechless, in the national FA, they know what I think.” Russia’s national teams were barred from international competition earlier this year over the invasion of Ukraine.”

The 32-year-old has made 107 international appearances since his debut in 2008 and has just joined Sharjah FC in the United Arab Emirates following this year’s summer transfer window. Bosnia’s captain and Inter Milan forward Edin Dzeko, one of the biggest names from the Balkan nation has also shared his thoughts on the game. “I am against the playing of this match; I am always and only for peace,” the forward said in quotes reported by the Bosnian news website Klix and has appeared to exclude himself from playing. The former Manchester City and Roma man also had to say, “I have my position which is clear, and which does not include playing this match, while innocent people are suffering. I stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine in these difficult times for them.”

Another player who has come out against this match, is Sheffield United wonderkid and Bosnian international Anel Ahmedhodzic. He had to add "I was very shocked when I saw it. I don't know what to say except that I'm against that match. We all know what happens and it would be a big mistake to play against Russia. I have a friend from Ukraine and when I saw this, I was really disappointed.” The young defender shone in Sweden last season attracting interest from the blades during the January transfer window, but he opted for a loan move to French side Bordeaux. A successful six months eventually led to his 4-million-pound move to Sheffield United from Malmo on July 6th, 2022. He has started his career in England flying, achieving 3 goals, 1 assist and 5 clean sheets in 8 games.

I asked Sheffield United fan and journalist Adam Weightman on his views regarding the response from Anel and the other Bosnian players who spoke up. “It’s right for them not to play with the current situation going on. It’s the how they can send the message that the world won’t tolerate what Russia are doing.”

The jury is still out whether the game will be cancelled but it is still due to occur as of right now. Anel Ahmedhodzic continues his tenure with Sheffield United with all blades hoping his white-hot form can continue.