The Russian football community is mourning the loss of Emir Privalov, a referee whose life was cut short at the age of 28. The news was released on the official website of the Russian Football Union (RFU), which confirmed his passing and outlined the federation’s intention to stand by his family in this difficult time.
The RFU stated that Emir left behind a wife and two children. In its formal message, the federation extended heartfelt condolences to the referee’s family and pledged financial support as well as help with arranging a funeral, underscoring the organization’s responsibility to those who serve on the field.
Some outlets reported that the cause of death was suicide. While inquiries continue, the details released by various media outlets have prompted an outpouring of sympathy from players, coaches, match officials, and fans as the football community processes this tragedy.
Privalov began refereeing in 2016 and steadily climbed the officiating ladder. He started appearing in Second League matches during the 2021/22 season, a milestone that reflected growing trust in his on-field judgment and his ability to manage competitive scenarios at progressively higher levels.
In August 2024, he was appointed as the chief referee for a Russian Cup clash between Omsk Irtysh and Chelyabinsk, a sign of the confidence placed in his leadership and decision-making during important national cup ties.
On 16 October, Privalov served as a reserve referee in the fifth round of the Russian Cup zones, a match between Sochi and Ulyanovsk Volga that ended 2:0 in favor of Sochi. He also took on reserve duties in multiple First League fixtures and appeared as a reserve referee in a friendly match between the Brunei national team and Krasnodar-2, illustrating his continued involvement across different competition levels.
Earlier developments in another sphere of Russian sport were also noted, as a property division case involving Matvey Safonov and his ex-wife was postponed to December 20, a reminder that life beyond the football pitch often intersects with reputational and legal matters that touch public figures and their circles.