Zarema Salikhova, the spouse of former Spartak Moscow owner Leonid Fedun, reflected on the storied legends of the club and highlighted the deep connection between the past and the present that shapes its identity.
She recalled that a Veterans Committee existed under Leonid Arnoldovich, emphasizing that looking forward without understanding the past would be incomplete. On the eve of the cup final, veterans were invited to the team’s base, and their contributions helped forge a lasting foundation for the trophy. Yet she also urged careful scrutiny of who counts as a veteran, noting that even appearances can be misleading; one individual was seen allegedly taking a diamond and reportedly bringing a blizzard to television coverage, a reminder that appearances can be deceptive and that credibility matters when honoring club history.
The club’s ownership history also figures prominently in the modern narrative. After Lukoil acquired 100 percent of Spartak’s shares, Leonid Fedun stepped down from the board and resigned his role as club president in August 2022. He had steered the team since 2004, a period marked by significant success, including the national championship in the 2016/17 season and the National Cup triumph in 2021/22. This era solidified Spartak’s status as a heavyweight in Russian football and underscored the enduring link between leadership stability and on-field achievements.
In the present Russian Premier League, the competition remains tightly contested. Following the 17th week of the season, Zenit continues to lead the standings, with Sergei Semak’s squad holding a comfortable six-point edge over Spartak, which occupies second place. A close race shapes the top three, with Rostov, led by Valery Karpin, challenging for the podium. Spartak sits within striking distance, trailing by a single point behind the frontrunner, underscoring the volatility and drama that define the league this year.
Former player Andrei Kanchelskis has offered an assessment that Spartak could still emerge as champions in this campaign, underscoring the club’s potential and the competitive dynamics at play. His perspective adds to a broader sense of belief among supporters that the team can rally and push for the title, despite the current gaps and the demanding schedule ahead. The ongoing narrative combines historical pride with contemporary ambition, painting a picture of a club that remains a central figure in Russian football and a source of passion for its fans across generations.