Ex-Man United and Russia footballer Andrei Kanchelskis is seeking criminal action over threats that reportedly involved breaking his legs because of a pay-off, admitting feeling “fear” but insisting he will not be intimidated.
The alleged incident reportedly related to Kanchelskis’ work at Uzbekistan Super League side Navbahor Namangan.
In October 2020, the two-time Premier League winner left the club over claims of unpaid wages and, in August this year, FIFA obliged his former employers to make a pay-out of around $1.8 million with interest.
The episode has now taken a sinister twist, with three unknown men in face masks allegedly approaching Kanchelskis in a Moscow cafe.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dad has resigned from Uzbek side Navbahor Namangan and is now looking for new opportunities in football. Hopefully one day we can all see him back in the UK in some capacity 🙏🏻 <a href="https://t.co/XfXTLmb2mj">pic.twitter.com/XfXTLmb2mj</a></p>— Andrei Kanchelskis Jr (@AAKanchelskis) <a href="https://twitter.com/AAKanchelskis/status/1316383754575896587?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
The trio reportedly asked if he had worked in Uzbekistan and made an offer to pay him a relatively paltry $80,000 for his troubles.
When the former Rangers winger refused, they told him that they would break his legs.
Speaking to Sport24.ru, Kanchelskis has confirmed he did received the threats and filed a police report over them.
“All threats will be forwarded to FIFA and UEFA,” he added. “This matter must now be taken seriously.
“I think there will be more information soon. I want these people to be found and acted against them in accordance with the law.