Former star voices concern as blogger teams upset traditional clubs in Russian Cup
Former Manchester United winger Andrei Kanchelskis has voiced strong criticism after blogger-led squads Amkal and 2DROTS caused upsets in the Russian Cup. His remarks come as fans and pundits recalibrate their view of who can compete at the highest level in the country, and what the Cup means for professional football in Russia. The shock value of these results has sparked a broader conversation about talent development, the reach of online communities, and the evolving landscape of Russian football. For some, the appearances of Amkal and 2DROTS illustrate a new wave of influence where fans, players, and content creators interact in unexpected ways, while others worry about the long term impact on traditional clubs and the professional ecosystem.
On August 17, 2DROTS secured a place in the 1/256 final of the Russian Cup after claiming the Medialiga title, defeating Chertanovo in a match that showcased the growing reach of non-traditional teams within the competition. The result added another chapter to a Cup campaign that has seen blog squads push deep into the rounds, challenging the perception of professional strength and raising questions about scouting, preparation, and the role of social media in modern football.
In expressing his astonishment, Kanchelskis commented that bloggers and casual venues have produced results that rival or exceed those of paid professionals. He pointed to a surge of local enthusiasm that claims football is thriving publicly, yet he questioned whether such energy translates into consistent, high-level performance for the sport in the country. The sentiment echoed a call for accountability from both young players and seasoned pros, as he warned that the Cup results could signal a misalignment between public optimism and the realities of professional football. He stressed that the integrity of the sport requires a strong push from the top levels, and he described the current situation as a potential setback for traditional clubs and their development programs.
2DROTS then joined Amkal as the second media team to eliminate a professional club from the Russian Cup. The prior day, Amkal edged Krasnogorsk Zorkiy through a dramatic post-match penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regular time, finishing 8-7 from the spot. These results highlighted a trend where blogger-led teams can leverage creativity, organization, and momentum to perform at a high level in knockout formats, prompting discussions among coaches, analysts, and fans about talent pipelines, practice standards, and the growing influence of crowdsourced teams in national competitions.
Earlier commentary from football circles has suggested that some Cup matches involving blogger squads may be influenced by contractual arrangements. This perspective adds another layer to the debate, touching on the ethics and governance of competitions, while also prompting teams to consider how partnerships, sponsorships, and media projects intersect with on-field performance. The conversation remains open as officials, players, and supporters weigh the implications for the sport’s traditional hierarchy and the evolving media environment that now shapes the Cup narrative.