Footballer Diniyar Bilyaletdinov is called up to fight in the Russian Armed Forces amid escalating conflict in Ukraine

Former Everton midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov reportedly called up to fight in Ukraine

The news follows Russian President Vladimir Putin’s partial mobilization order amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

As a result of the ruling, men of military age who have previously served in the armed forces and have certain military specialties are likely to be drafted.

The decree will see 300,000 Russians conscripted to serve in the ongoing conflict.

Speaking to Russian publication Sport24, Diniyar’s father, Rinat Bilyaletdinov, revealed his son has been drafted.

The elder Bilyaletdinov also confirmed Diniyar had previously served in the Russian Armed Forces, but insisted he only did so in a sporting role.

“Yes, Diniyar received a summons.

“He served in the sports line over 19 years ago when he played in the youth team. It was a long time ago, the order came, took an oath.

“He spent his entire service in the sport. Title – private. I do not know the military specialty – neither construction battalion, nor railway troops.

Bilyaletdinov spent three years at Goodison Park after then-Toffees boss David Moyes brought him to the club for £9million in 2009. After returning to his native Russia in 2012, the The 37-year-old retired from football in 2019 after a short spell at Lithuanian club FK Riteriai.

Bilyaletdinov made 46 appearances for the Russian national team between 2005 and 2012, and was part of the squad that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2008.