CSKA Moscow president Andrey Vatutin spoke at length about the troubling incident involving defender Alexei Shved, who was assaulted on Monday evening near a city restaurant. In discussing Shved’s condition, Vatutin emphasized that the best course of action right now is to let medical professionals assess his health. The player is currently hospitalized after sustaining a traumatic brain injury. There is no immediate threat to his life, but doctors are expected to clarify the severity of the damage today or tomorrow. Vatutin also expressed hope that those responsible would be identified and held accountable. A police report has been filed, and Shved will remain under medical care in the hospital for as long as needed for his recovery.
The assault occurred in a busy district near one of the capital’s dining venues, and medical teams quickly transported Shved to a hospital for urgent evaluation and treatment. The news has shaken teammates, staff, and fans, who are rallying behind Shved while the situation is investigated. The basketball community is watching closely as authorities pursue leads and collect evidence from the scene to ensure a thorough investigation.
Earlier in the week, Shved took the court in the seventh game of the VTB United League semifinal series against Lokomotiv-Kuban. CSKA suffered a tight loss, 100 to 103, which meant the team would not be contending for the league title this season for the first time in 14 years. With the semi-final out of reach, CSKA now focuses on the upcoming bronze medal contest, where the squad is set to face the loser of the Unix Kazan versus Zenit St. Petersburg pairing. The outcome of that clash will determine who claims the third-place position in the league standings as the season closes for CSKA in this chapter of the competition.
Reflecting on the previous season, CSKA also faced a final defeat against Zenit, a result that left the club seeking better performance in the following campaign. The current incident casts a new spotlight on player welfare and safety off the court, prompting teams, leagues, and fans to consider preventive measures, rapid medical response, and strong support systems for players during a demanding schedule. The organization continues to cooperate with authorities while monitoring Shved’s progress and planning for his return to play once medical teams give the green light. The club’s leadership has underscored the priority of health and a swift, transparent investigation that could lead to accountability under the law.
As the investigation proceeds, the focus remains on Shved’s recovery and the broader implications for team safety and competition integrity. Details of the attack are being clarified as investigators review surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and assess physical evidence from the scene. The intention is to provide accurate information to supporters and stakeholders while maintaining respect for the player’s privacy and medical needs. In the meantime, CSKA continues its season plan with resilience, reinforcing the message that player safety comes first and that the club will support Shved through every step of his rehabilitation, no matter how long the process takes.