XtraTime Web Desk: Some serious controversy ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Russia, as one of the legends of the game Nwankwo Kanu had $11,000 US dollars (£8228) in cash stolen from his suitcase in Moscow after he arrived from London.
Russian police said it was taken by two loaders at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport.
Kanu, 41, reported the money missing when he reached Kaliningrad, where he was playing in a World Cup curtain raiser game organised by FIFA.
Lt-Col Irina Volk, spokeswoman for the Russian Interior Ministry, said the loaders were dealing with the baggage from a London to Moscow flight.
Kanu, travelling on a British passport, had appealed for help to police in Kaliningrad, she said.
‘The stolen cash was removed (from the loaders) and will soon be returned to the owner’, she said.
Mash online news outlet reported: ‘The World Cup has not even begun yet, but world soccer celebrities already require the help of Russian police.’
The loaders, aged 30 and 36, face criminal investigation and could be sent to jail for up to six years.
Kanu played alongside ex-Manchester United and England star Wes Brown in a FIFA legends team against a Russian legends side.
The ex-Arsenal man, a former Nigerian international, did not mention the theft in speaking to the media in the Baltic city, where England will play on 28 June.
‘Kaliningrad is a very nice city with very nice people,’ said Nwankwo Kanu.
‘It’s really good to be here. The stadium is fantastic, I liked the atmosphere inside and also enjoyed being in the players’ dressing room.
‘The pitch is marvellous and, actually, that’s all you need as a player.
‘The FIFA World Cup is the greatest football tournament on the planet – every team dreams of being part of it and I am sure it will be a very special event in Russia.
‘Nigeria will be a big surprise, for sure. We have good young and talented players; they are hungry for victories and want to do well – for themselves and for the country.’