heart problems
Vasily Utkin’s passing sent shockwaves through the sports community. Initial reports from prominent football commentators suggested something was seriously wrong with his heart, a development that quickly drew confirmation from other respected journalists. A statement from the club Utkin owned since 2017 echoed the somber news, confirming that he had passed away. A later report from Pirogov Hospital indicated that his condition began with acute vascular insufficiency, necessitating immediate life support upon arrival to the cardiology department. This sequence of events reflects the urgent medical interventions that followed his emergency arrival. — sources close to the case note that a pulmonary embolism was the primary suspected cause, with the final determination to come after autopsy results.
Throughout the timeline, there were conflicting health updates. In late 2023, there were unverified claims about atherosclerosis linked to obesity, which Utkin publicly denied. Utkin had battled weight fluctuations for many years. At one point his weight peaked near 470 pounds, then fell after an extensive gastric procedure in a clinic in Stuttgart, stabilizing at around 275 pounds. In more recent years, however, weight regain became an issue again, impacting his overall health and resilience. A planned appearance at an Egrisi Media Football League semi-final was canceled due to health concerns, a loss for the yellow-blacks in a shootout-style match. — discussions around his health and lifestyle are drawn from various contemporaneous briefings and public discussions.
generation commentator
In his early career, Utkin served as a correspondent for notable sociopolitical programs before transitioning to sports journalism. He joined a major national network in the mid-1990s, where he helped establish the sports editorial office and later became a leading face of the program Football Club. For years, he co-led the show and was closely associated with the brand that bore his name across radio and online platforms. His influence extended beyond television to his personal channels on video and messaging platforms, where his voice remained a constant presence for fans.
During his time in the field, Utkin earned multiple TEFI awards for excellence in sports commentary. He covered the World and European Championships, the Champions League, and final matches across many tournaments. His reporting took him to major Olympic events and prominent stadiums around the world, while his commentary work often originated from Moscow. He collaborated with a range of media outlets, contributing to both print and digital spaces, and maintained a steady presence on various platforms.
At different points in his career, Utkin led the football editorial desk on television and mentored younger reporters. He transitioned with colleagues from one major outlet to another, before ultimately pursuing independent work. He also contributed as a guest commentator on several networks and worked with streaming services. In later years, Utkin remained an independent media voice, managing his own channels, where his episodes continued to attract substantial viewership and engagement.
football club
Utkin never married and did not have children. His recent professional endeavors centered on his leadership of the Egrisi team, a project he joined at the invitation of a founder who previously worked with prominent sports broadcasters. He served as president and owner, guiding the club to top-tier competition and to victories in regional leagues. Egrisi has participated in the Media Football League in recent seasons, achieving notable success, including a bronze medal near the season’s end. The club has faced fierce rivals on the road to the knockout stages, overcoming some of the league’s most storied teams. Utkin was known for his hands-on approach, supporting players with financial help, equipment, housing arrangements, and medical care when needed.
“I changed profession”
The news of Utkin’s death sent a ripple through the football world as the Media Football League began its playoff draw with a moment of silence in his memory. Colleagues and peers expressed disbelief and shared remembrances of his impact. One journalist noted that Utkin had reshaped sports commentary, bringing a vibrant and modern voice to the field. Others highlighted his integrity, dedication, and the personal connections he built with players and colleagues alike. Prominent commentators remembered him as a pioneer who influenced a generation of reporters and left an enduring mark on the craft. The sense of loss was universal, with many colleagues acknowledging the void his absence would create across major broadcasts and fan communities.