Former Moscow Spartak head coach Andrei Chernyshov described the Russian Football Cup final being staged at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium as a meaningful tradition. His remarks have been quoted by a publication focusing on legal betting.
Speaking for himself, Chernyshov said the Luzhniki finale has long stood as a symbol of something grand, a moment that elevates the competition. He acknowledged that strong stadiums have emerged in other regions and that fans there also deserve to witness the most important cup clashes in their cities. While he concedes there is no universal agreement on the ideal venue, he shared his personal view that Luzhniki feels closest to the essence of the Cup final.
Between 2010 and 2021, the Russian Cup final frequently took place away from Moscow, rotating across venues in different regions. In the most recent two editions, the final was again hosted at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow: in 2022, Spartak Moscow defeated Dynamo Moscow 2-1, and in 2023, CSKA Moscow beat Krasnodar following a penalty shoot-out. This sequence underscored Luzhniki’s enduring significance when it comes to the cup decider.
For the upcoming season, the exact site of the Russian Cup final had not been announced at the time, but the date was set for June 2, 2024. Alongside the final, the schedule included the play-off matches of the Premier League Path slated for April 30 to May 2, with the decisive matches of the Regional Path planned for May 14 to 16. The cadence of the tournament mirrors a broader pattern in which the Cup blends traditional venues with regional accessibility, inviting fans from across the country to participate in the climactic weekend.
Historically, the Russian Football Championship has featured varying formats and venues, with the Cup final anchoring discussions about location, accessibility, and tradition. The ongoing conversation continues to balance the pull of a storied stadium like Luzhniki with the desire to showcase new and diverse venues across Russia. Ultimately, the Cup final serves not only as a championship moment but also as a reflection of the sport’s reach and the fans’ passion across the country.