According to Pivovarov, the club considers itself a victim in the situation, as they had not announced that the transfers had been concluded. The club had instead announced that the players had arrived, sparking suspicions that they had used the Brazilians to lower the purchase price of another player, Maxi Gutiérrez, a 22-year-old Chilean who was subsequently signed by the club.
Globo Esporte Futebol reported that Pivovarov justified the decision as a risk management move after medical exams, stating that "the most essential stage was not completed" for the signing of long-term contracts.
Flamengo and Botafogo, the Brazilian clubs that had been involved in the transfers, have denied any health problems with their players. Flamengo has accused the Russians of amateurism and irresponsibility, while Botafogo is studying a judicial action against Fifa.
Plata and Matheus Martins will be reintegrated into the lineups of their respective Brazilian teams.