Russian Health and Social Development Ministry has announced a 25% quota on foreign athletes for professional sports clubs.

      According to the ministry's statement, the amount or foreign athletes may not exceed 25% of the whole professional workforce in Russian sport. The quota comes into force on April 29, and applies to every team, from football's Russian Premier League to hockey's KHL and basketball's VTB League.

      The 25% quota includes not only foreign athletes, but also masseurs, chefs, administrators and other technical personnel. It also applies to all levels: from highest leagues to regional teams. Moreover, even athletes with Russian passports still be considered foreigners if they have ever played for the national team of any other country.

      Now costs of foreign coaches and players eat up the budgets of Russian sport teams. There is about 25% of legionaries in Russian hockey and over 50% - in Russian football.

      The ministry's initiative has already been supported by Russian Volleyball Federation and some football clubs. 

Sources: Vedomosti Gazeta.ru RIA Novosti Image: e1.ru