In a meeting with FIFA's President Sepp Blatter in Moscow both men agreed that limitations need to take place in order to ensure that Europe's quality players will not be playing in two or three local Leagues.

Blatter is in Moscow to show FIFA's support for an unofficial CIS Champions Cup annual indoor football tournament which involves nations which were part of what used to be Soviet Union.

"European Union has excessively strong influence over the organization of soccer tournaments and on soccer in general on the territory of the EU, and, moreover, is trying to expand its influence throughout entire Europe," Sepp Blatter said in front of reporters, in a statement broadcast by Russia's NTV television.

Vladimir Putin characterised the situation as "Imperialism in soccer."

FIFA is reviewing current legislation in order to limit the number of overseas players in the ranks of each Football Club. The move is part of a strategy to boost local Leagues and develop football in other countries.

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