Cold Weather in Football: Experience, Safety, and League Decisions
Valery Gladilin, a former Moscow footballer and coach, has long argued that playing in sub-zero temperatures is not dangerous for players. He contends that it can even be beneficial when proper preparation is in place. His comments were reported by the publication vprognosis and reflect a broader belief among many players and coaches that cold conditions, while challenging, do not inherently compromise health or performance.
According to Gladilin, teams adapt through weather-appropriate gear and thermal base layers for both players and staff. He notes that heated venues remove potential issues when available, but even without heat, athletes are capable of handling the chill so long as the equipment and routines are suitable. The core idea is resilience built through experience: players have historically competed in cold climates, often on unheated fields, and have not seen a rise in illness linked to cold-weather exertion. This perspective emphasizes that the body can cope with cold conditions when activity, clothing, and recovery practices are aligned with the environment.
Recent Russian Premier League (RPL) action highlighted how winter conditions shape the season. In December, Lokomotiv Moscow secured a 2-0 victory over Ural Yekaterinburg in a match that took place in the capital with temperatures dipping below minus ten degrees. The outcome underscored how teams continue to compete despite harsh weather, relying on discipline, tactical adjustments, and player readiness to perform at peak levels despite the cold.
Earlier rounds also demonstrated the cold’s impact on scheduling and play. A snowy encounter between Baltika Kaliningrad and Spartak Moscow occurred in the 16th round, while in the 17th round, CSKA faced Rostov and Lokomotiv met Zenit under heavy snowfall in Moscow. In one instance, a planned start time was delayed by heavy snowfall; the second match began at 17:00 Moscow time after snow removal crews cleared the arena. These episodes illustrate how weather can influence timing and logistics, yet leagues have shown flexibility to keep matches on the calendar when safety protocols are followed.
The league administration faced a significant decision regarding the 18th round: postpone matches to spring or proceed as scheduled. Ultimately, the decision was to play the rounds as planned, prioritizing continuity of the competition while maintaining stringent safety and preparedness standards for players and staff. This approach aligns with the broader view among many stakeholders that cold-weather play is manageable with proper preparation and infrastructure.
Within this context, leadership perspectives from club executives emphasize a cautious yet pragmatic stance on cold-weather performances. For instance, a former president of Lokomotiv addressed the topic indirectly, highlighting that the focus should be on evaluating match conditions, player readiness, and safety rather than postponement purely for weather concerns. The consensus among experienced insiders is that success in cold conditions comes down to preparation, fitness, and the ability to adapt tactics to the environment. This includes using weather-appropriate equipment, timely field maintenance, and clear communication about scheduling when weather events threaten play. In practice, teams train for a range of temperatures and surfaces, ensuring players remain resilient and focused when the whistle blows, irrespective of the thermometer reading. (Source: vprognosis)