Former Zenit and Russia forward Andrey Arshavin recently spoke about his stance on the Media League, making clear he has zero interest in participating. In a video conversation published through journalist Sevastian Terletsky on his Telegram channel, Arshavin delivered a blunt message: he would refuse even a lucrative offer to join the league. He described the group as a source of annoyance, emphasizing that the appeal of the league seems not to lie in football anymore. He stressed that his priority is the sport itself, noting that the competition now feels dominated by players rather than creators from other spheres, and he questioned whether the audience still finds value in it. He concluded with a firm wish to distance himself from the project, saying the topic has little to discuss beyond football excellence and that he does not want any association with it. [Citation: Terletsky interview, Telegram channel report, date not provided.]
Arshavin’s career spans several notable clubs beyond Zenit, including Arsenal in London and Kairat in Kazakhstan, where he closed out his professional journey. That broader playing history provides context for his new stance on the Media League, highlighting a clear preference for traditional football environments over media-driven formats. The veteran forward remains a prominent figure in discussions about the evolving landscape of football celebrity culture, especially when post-playing opportunities blur the lines between sport and media. [Citation: Career overview summaries from club histories and official archives.]
During the 2022/23 season, the Media League had a notable footprint in the Russian Cup, marking its first foray into the national tournament. In early rounds, 2DROTS were eliminated by Tekstilshchik Ivanovo at 1/128, while Amkal fell to St. Petersburg, a team coached by former Spartak player Dmitry Kombarov, at 1/64. Petersburg subsequently suffered a defeat to Zvezda. In the current Russian Cup cycle, Rodina Media, 2DROTS, and Amkal also competed but exited the competition earlier than hoped. Earlier comments from the actor associated with Amkala, Sibskan, had criticized the Media League, calling it unworthy or tainted in the eyes of some RPL footballers. The mixed reactions reflect a broader debate about the intersection of football talent and media-driven ventures in the country. [Citation: Russian Cup round results and team updates from season 2022/23 and current cycle; industry commentary from media personalities.]