Valery Karpin, the head coach of Rostov, voiced strong criticism in response to comments made by Samvel Arakelyan, the Minister of Sports for Rostov Region. Arakelyan had attributed lower attendance at Rostov-on-Don matches to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic rather than to the introduction of a fan ID system. Karpin confronted the suggestion with frank language, challenging the minister’s reasoning and underscoring that the reality on the ground did not align with the official explanation. This clash highlights the broader debate surrounding how attendance trends are interpreted during a period of transition for Russian football venues and fan identification policies. The exchange was reported by RB Sports, indicating that even within official circles there can be sharp disagreements about the driving factors behind changing spectator numbers.
During the latter part of the season, Rostov Stadium and several other venues began enforcing a mandatory fan ID for spectators. This policy requires fans to present a valid identification card linked to their account in order to gain access to certain matches. The policy is part of a wider rollout across Russia that is shaping how fans experience live football, with five major stadiums already integrated into the Fan ID scheme. Specifically, the Rostov Arena, along with Nizhny Novgorod Arena, Yekaterinburg Arena, Samara Arena, and the Fisht Stadium in Sochi, has implemented the attendance requirements, affecting clubs such as Rostov, Nizhny Novgorod, Ural, Krylya Sovetov, and Sochi. The intention behind this change is to enhance safety, streamline entry procedures, and create a more controlled environment for matchday operations. As the season progresses, additional stadiums are expected to join the program, broadening its geographic footprint and reinforcing the league-wide move toward an ID-based entry framework.
In this broader context, public statements from figures connected to clubs, including Zarema Salikhova, who is known for her association with Spartak Moscow through Leonid Fedun, have voiced varied positions on Fan ID. Salikhova’s remarks contribute to the ongoing public discourse about how identity verification affects fan engagement, accessibility for local supporters, and the perceived fairness of the new system. Observers note that the Fan ID policy intersects with questions about fan loyalty, local support, and the practical realities of travel and attendance across Russia’s football landscape. The episode involving Karpin, Arakelyan, and other stakeholders thus serves as a microcosm of the wider debate about balancing security and inclusivity with the passion that drives matchday atmospheres.