Lazio president Claudio Lotito had to speak with the ambassador in Russia in order to allow Biancocelesti wing back Mohamed Fares into the country for tonight’s Champions League clash against Zenit, according to a report from Italian radio broadcaster Radiosei earlier today.
The report details how it seemed like the 24-year-old Lazio wing back would not be allowed to enter Russia because of his Algerian origins, forcing president Lotito to intervene.
The Lazio president spoke to the ambassador and had to show the player’s passport to prove that he was born in France, allowing him to enter the country without any issues.
The Roman club are already without regular first team players Ciro Immobile, Lucas Leiva and Thomas Strakosha, who all tested positive for Covid-19 after undergoing UEFA’s tests earlier this week.
The situation has caused much confusion because the trio all featured against Torino in the 4-3 win on the weekend, despite all missing the clash against Club Brugge last week for the same reason.
The FIGC have now opened an investigation to discover if there has been any wrongdoing by Lazio.