FIFA has rejected the appeal of the Norwegian Football Federation regarding the case of "Bodo-Glimt" goalkeeper Nikita Khaykin. According to Sport24.az, FIFA did not allow the goalkeeper to be included in the Norwegian national team for the 2026 World Cup.
He obtained Norwegian citizenship in April. However, FIFA prevented his naturalization, citing that he had not resided continuously in Norway for 5 years.
Khaykin is deprived of the right to play for the Norwegian national team until March 2028.
Nikita is of Russian origin but was born in Israel. He is a graduate of the "Dynamo" (Moscow) club. Khaykin has defended the goal of clubs such as "Nacional", "Marbella", "Rostov", "Kuban", "Bnei Yehuda", "Hapoel Kfar Saba", and "Bristol City".