Six Shakhtar Donetsk players go AWOL as tensions between Ukraine and Russia increase following MH17 crash

Six Shakhtar players 'refuse' to return after pre-season friendly in France

(GETTY IMAGES)

Ukrainian football has suffered from the political turmoil surrounding the country currently after six Shakhtar Donetsk players refused to return to the club after a pre-season friendly in France, according to reports.

French media outlet, Canal+, is reporting how the players missed their flight back to Donetsk and are currently AWOL in France.

All the players are of South American nationality with five of them being named so far.

Brazilian’s Fred, Douglas Costa, Alex Teixiera, Dentinho, and Argentinian Facundo Ferreyra are the players to have been revealed as unwilling to return.

The city of Donetsk is heavily involved in the Ukraine’s current political unrest.

Shakhtar have returned from their pre-season tour of France and were playing in their last game against Lyon, which they lost 4-1, before the players went missing.

All of the players are expected to be allowed to exit the club.

Shakhtar play in the Ukrainian Supercup against Dynamo Kiev on July 22.