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Three reasons Davinson Sanchez will say no to Spartak Moscow

By Gary Pearson

Tottenham Hotspur's Colombian defender Davinson Sanchez reacts as he leaves the pitch after being sent off during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bournemouth at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on April 15, 2023. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur's Colombian defender Davinson Sanchez reacts as he leaves the pitch after being sent off during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bournemouth at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on April 15, 2023. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) /
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After Tottenham agreed to Spartak Moscow’s €12 million bid plus add-ons yesterday, the prospective transfer hinges on Davinson Sanchez’s decision.


It should be an easy one for the Colombian to make. Reports suggest he’ll say no, unsurprising given the current climate in Russia.

Here are the three primary reasons Sanchez will say thanks but no thanks.

3. No European football for who knows how long

While Tottenham isn’t involved in European football next season, it’s anyone’s guess when Spartak Moscow will again partake in a continental competition.

All Russian teams have been banned from European competitions after the government decided unilaterally and illegally to invade Ukraine almost a year and a half ago.

With no end in sight, Russian teams will be waiting a long time to regain entry into one of Europe’s three cup competitions.

2. Heavy ethical implications

The ethical implications of joining a Russian team are another reason Sanchez will say no. No player in their right mind should want to voluntarily join a team associated with a federation that supports the motherland’s war effort.

Russian teams don’t really free will, as supporting the government is obligatory, whether they like it or not. And with no team foolish enough to oppose Vladimir Putin publicly, they are pro war by association. That’s a pill too poisonous to swallow for any player deciding on his future.

1. Racism is still prolific in Russian football

Russia has one of the worst racism records in world football. That hasn’t changed much throughout the years. As other countries do their utmost to eliminate racism, Russia is nowhere near where it should be.

Quite the opposite.

Black players are subjected to hideous, overtly blatant racism, particularly for away matches. Sanchez would be throwing himself into a bear pit of bigotry and hatred, exposing himself to torturous, draconian, and even prolific racism.

There’s no way Sanchez opens himself up to that sort of tumult, as saying yes to Spartak is tantamount to career suicide.

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