Ukrainian midfielder Edmar called up to army

A Brazilian-born Ukrainian midfielder has been called up for compulsory military service with his adopted country's national army.

Metalist Kharkiv's Edmar changed nationality in order to play for the Ukraine national side after marrying a Ukrainian woman in 2008.

"I hadn't reckoned on this and although I'm a bit nervous that it might not get sorted out, I have to say that my wife is terrified. I have told her not to worry though and everything will be fine," the Daily Mail quotes the 34-year-old as saying.

"To be honest, I don't know what I would do if I actually went into the army. Playing football is the only thing I can do. I haven't heard that any of my teammates have been called up, but maybe nobody says it out loud.

"I had certainly not anticipated that when I got a Ukrainian passport. The club told me they will try to resolve the issue for me."

Ukraine ended its compulsory military service program in 2013, but announced that it was to be reinstated amid the current dispute with Russia.