Matvey Safonov, a renowned goalkeeper with the Russian national football team and Krasnodar in the Premier League, has been restricted from exiting Russia due to outstanding alimony debts, as reported by various media outlets. The 25-year-old is currently facing a travel ban imposed by Russian authorities for failing to pay child support totaling 60 million rubles (around $674,000.
It was recently speculated that Safonov had passed his medical examination with French football club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), which is prepared to offer a staggering €20 million for the talented goalkeeper. Although there has been no official announcement regarding the transfer, this development would undoubtedly be a significant boost for PSG and a potential setback for Russia’s Krasnodar team.
An unnamed source informed RIA Novosti on Friday that Safonov is currently barred from leaving Russia due to his unpaid alimony debts. This restriction has come amid an ongoing custody battle between Safonov and his ex-wife, whom he divorced in 2021. The court ordered Safonov to pay a portion of his salary as child support for their daughter; however, it appears he has fallen behind on these payments.
Safonov’s potential transfer to Paris has generated concern among his ex-wife’s legal team, who fear that this move could complicate the existing situation. According to media reports, Safonov will not be allowed to leave Russia until he settles his outstanding child support debts.
Currently, Matvey Safonov is in Minsk with the Russian national football team, which is scheduled to play a friendly match against Belarus. Throughout his career, Safonov has made an impressive impact on the field, having started playing for FC Krasnodar in the Russian Premier League. Since 2019, he has participated in 175 matches across various competitions, with 53 of them ending in a goalless draw. Furthermore, Safonov has represented Russia’s national team on 13 occasions, securing eight scoreless draws in the process.
While Safonov could potentially sign a contract with Paris Saint-Germain, he will remain grounded in Russia until he clears his alimony debt and regains the ability to travel internationally. This unfortunate circumstance serves as a reminder of the personal challenges that athletes can face off the pitch, even when they are at the peak of their professional careers.