The president of Yekaterinburg’s Ural region, Grigory Ivanov, discussed the need to broaden the Russian Premier League. He argued that the league’s leadership should openly share its plans to increase the number of teams in the top flight of domestic football.
Ivanov believes that having only 16 teams limits the league and undermines Russia’s large football potential. He notes that the country is big and diverse and that the current setup creates an uneven playing field, especially for teams outside Moscow. It is much harder for teams from other regions to compete when schedules are congested with travel that concentrates around a single metro area. In his view, expanding the league to 18 teams would be a practical step, with room for more clubs from various regions to participate. He added that he does not intend to raise the topic immediately but is certain to revisit it in the near future. The stance reflects a broader discussion about balancing national reach with competitive integrity, while ensuring players and fans across Russia benefit from a broader top division and more opportunities to showcase regional talent.
At a recent general assembly, clubs in the Russian Premier League showed resistance to expanding the number of participants for the 2023/24 season, even though the proposal was part of ongoing conversations about the league’s future. The meeting took place without the clubs being physically present, underscoring how the debate has become a significant talking point among executives and stakeholders who want to chart a course for growth while preserving the competitive balance that has shaped the league in recent years. Advocacy for expansion remains a live issue among club executives who believe that broadening the league can stimulate national interest, attract more sponsorship, and increase television value across diverse regions.
In related discussions, Rustam Saimanov, a former general manager, addressed the prospects surrounding the club and its leadership, including the coach’s potential impact on long-term strategy. The focus on leadership decisions and coaching direction highlights how much influence management choices have on the league’s evolution and on how teams perform against a higher number of rivals in a more geographically expansive league structure. These debates illustrate a broader trend in top-tier football where regions beyond the capital are seeking greater involvement, more balanced competition, and expanded opportunities for players to rise through the ranks and gain visibility on a national stage.