Former star Andrei Kanchelskis comments on Grigoryan’s claims about match fixing
Andrei Kanchelskis, the former Manchester United and Russia international, offered his take on remarks made by coach Alexander Grigoryan. Grigoryan claimed that during his tenure at SKA-Khabarovsk, he was approached with an offer to adjust the flow of games. The remarks were cited in an interview carried by metaratings.ru, prompting a public response from the ex-player.
In a conversation with journalist Mikhail Borzykin, Grigoryan recounted that in 2012 he received an invitation to participate in fixing matches with the aim of securing a place in the Russian Premier League (RPL). The narrative suggested that SKA-Khabarovsk, at the time a challenger, did not manage to reach the top tier, and Grigoryan faced consequences within the club.
Kanchelskis weighed in, emphasizing that corrupt practices occur frequently in lower divisions as well. He asserted that there is sufficient evidence for Grigoryan to speak out, and he urged action for those who try to manipulate results. The former winger insisted that those involved in such wrongdoing should face strict penalties, including a lifetime ban from football for the most serious offences. His stance reflected a broader call for integrity across all levels of the game.
Over the course of his career, Kanchelskis represented a string of big clubs beyond his hometown country. He wore the jerseys of Everton, Fiorentina, Rangers, Manchester City, Southampton, Saturn, Krylia Sovetov, and several other teams, contributing to a remarkable international club career.
On the international stage, Kanchelskis earned 36 caps for Russia and was part of the squad that triumphed at the 1990 European Junior Championships. His career is often recalled for the blend of speed, skill, and tenacity he brought to the field.
There has been ongoing discussion about the development of football in Russia versus neighboring regions, with Kanchelskis offering perspective on how the sport’s landscape has evolved in recent years. This context underscores the broader environment in which discussions about match integrity, league competition, and governance take place.
Note: All statements attributed to Grigoryan and Kanchelskis are cited from the referenced interview materials and public statements available through the cited source. The content reflects reported viewpoints and does not imply confirmation of any specific allegations. [attribution: metaratings.ru]