Bochum confirm Ordets retention
VfL Bochum confirmed late Sunday that a FIFA extension of a special rule enabling European clubs to sign Russian players will enable them to keep valued defender Ivan Ordets.
| Ivan Ordets. | Photo: Анна Нэсси, Soccer.ru, CC BY-SA 3.0 |
Ordets - whop became a regular in head-coach Thomas Letsch's starting XI and played a significant role in helping the Revierklub avoid relegation - can also re-up with Bochum for another two years if the Russia-Ukrainian conflict remains active at the end of next season. Ordets' working papers with the Russian club actually expire next year. Acting VfL sporting director Marc Lettau noted that the front office already had matters set up for a longer term commitment.
"His contract also includes the option of remaining with VfL for another two years after the expiry of the special arrangement," Lettau explained in a statement accompanying the news, "Ivan Ordets was a key player in our team last season. His robustness, tackling, and aerial ability helped us defensively and offensively. He is a leader and should continue to give our defense support and stability in the future."
The club released a video featuring Ordets addressed to the fans on its social media feed. The twelve-times-capped international declared himself both proud and pleased to be remaining in the Bundesrepublik and thanked the VfL fans for their support.
📺💬😍 Und damit entlassen wir euch alle in den Sonntagabend... 💙🤍#IVANttostay #meinVfL #Ordets pic.twitter.com/HexM54JBmJ
— VfL Bochum 1848 (@VfLBochum1848eV) June 18, 2023
