Vyacheslav Koloskov, who serves as the Honorary President of the Russian Football Union, voiced sharp criticism about how the Russian Premier League scheduled its calendar, particularly noting the last two rounds before the league break were played amid snowfall and freezing temperatures. His remarks, cited by Sports Express, focused on the impact of weather on the game and on spectators’ experience.
Koloskov did not mince words. He described the conditions as a disturbance to what he views as the essence of football. The veteran administrator argued that football thrives when players can showcase skill and artistry in fair settings. When snow, sleet, and frost become constant companions, he suggested the sport loses some of its artistic clarity and the audience loses the opportunity to fully appreciate the players’ abilities. His assessment: the game should unfold in signals of clarity and balance, rather than in a climate that makes the field slick and the ball unpredictable. The remark underscored a broader conversation in Russian football about scheduling, safety, and spectatorship during harsh weather. [Citation: Sports Express]
Recent fixtures illustrated the intense winter backdrop of the RPL weekend slate. On December 8, Lokomotiv Moscow faced Ural Yekaterinburg in the 18th round, securing a 2-0 victory in the capital with temperatures plunging below minus ten degrees. The game was fought in a biting cold that tested players’ endurance and team tactics, while spectators endured a tough chill as well. This match highlighted how winter conditions can shape performance, influence ball movement, and affect the pace of play. The takeaway emphasized by observers was that teams and officials must balance competitive integrity with prudent safety measures when temperatures drop that far. [Citation: Sports Express]
Earlier in the season, another encounter took place in heavy snowfall. The 16th round featured Kaliningrad’s Baltika against Moscow’s Spartak in wintry conditions, underscoring how snow can alter pitch quality and visibility. In Moscow, during the 17th round, CSKA faced Rostov and Lokomotiv met Zenit, both under substantial snowfall. The timing of the matches also proved delicate; the CSKA–Rostov contest, set for a daytime start, was postponed to later in the day as heavy snow blanketed the city. In contrast, the Lokomotiv–Zenit game proceeded after track-clearing efforts by the stadium staff, illustrating how ground crews play a pivotal role in keeping matches on schedule amid adverse weather. The episode sparked discussions about scheduling flexibility, resource readiness, and match operations in snowbound conditions. [Citation: Sports Express]
Beyond the weather, commentary from players and coaches touched the resilience of football in extreme conditions. Some observers argued that athletes possess the physical and mental stamina to endure matches in harsh environments, while others noted that prolonged exposure to cold can affect performance, injury risk, and strategic planning. The debate reflected a broader interest in ensuring that competitive football remains safe, entertaining, and fair for teams and fans alike, regardless of the meteorological backdrop. [Citation: Sports Express]