PSG Goalkeeper Matvey Safonov Takes Child Support Dispute to Russia's Constitutional Court

Matvey Safonov's Appeal to the Constitutional Court

According to Главком: Matvey Safonov, a football goalkeeper, has filed a complaint with the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation challenging the amount of child support he is required to pay. He has already settled a debt of 66 million rubles (approximately $850,000) to his ex-wife. Safonov argues that the demands violate his rights under Article 81, Clause 1 of the Russian Family Code, which stipulates that child support for one child should equal one-quarter of the parent's income.

Personal Life and Professional Career

Safonov, who currently plays for the French club Paris Saint-Germain, was married to Anastasia Kazachek from 2020 to 2021. The couple had a daughter named Maya in 2021. Following their divorce, Safonov paid off his child support arrears in 2025. In March 2025, he remarried, this time to Marina Kondratyuk.

Beyond his personal affairs, Safonov and other Russian teams continue to face fallout from being barred from international competitions. In 2022, FIFA and UEFA decided to suspend Russian national teams and clubs from tournaments due to Russia's war against Ukraine. As a result, Russia missed the playoffs for the 2022 World Cup, and has also been excluded from the 2024 European Championship, the 2026 World Cup, and several editions of the Nations League.

The situation surrounding Matvey Safonov highlights not only his personal financial struggles but also a broader issue confronting Russian athletes amid political circumstances.

The suspension from international events has negatively impacted not only players' careers but also their earning potential, as opportunities for income on the global stage have diminished. This case could set a precedent for other athletes in similar situations who may also choose to challenge child support rulings through the courts.

As the legal battle unfolds for Matvey Safonov, the implications of the ongoing sanctions against Russian teams in international competitions remain significant. The recent developments regarding the potential reinstatement of Russian teams could change the landscape for athletes facing similar challenges. Understanding how these policies impact players' careers and financial stability is crucial in this context.