Yuri Nagornykh, who sits as chairman on Lokomotiv’s board, noted that his participation in a televised project made it impossible to terminate the club’s deal with striker Artem Dzyuba. The remarks were reported by Sport Express.
Asked whether the contract could be ended, Nagornykh stated there was no legal basis for such action. The team was busily preparing for the new season. He added that the show in question was not something they paid attention to, describing it as a form of entertainment that does not concern the club’s immediate plans.
In a landscape crowded with online content, bookmakers push out a large volume of material to capture attention, and some of the proceeds channel back into sport. Fans are free to follow whatever appeals to them, and such programs evidently have their own audiences. Nagornykh emphasized that he does not watch these productions personally.
Dzyuba is known for appearing on a range of programs where he occasionally uses strong language. Lokomotiv’s head coach Mikhail Galaktionov has reportedly asked the forward to curb his profanity in public appearances.
In February, Dzyuba joined Lokomotiv on a six-month deal after leaving Adana Demirspor in Turkey, where he spent only a brief spell. Upon returning to Russia’s top flight, the striker produced eight goals and five assists in 11 matches, underscoring his continuing impact on the side.
Several observers who previously covered European football have offered varied assessments of Dzyuba’s status, with some arguing that his stature on the international stage has dimmed in recent seasons while others highlight his ongoing value to domestic competition. This divergence reflects a broader debate about how star players adapt when moving between leagues and media duties, and how clubs balance sporting goals with media exposure. [citation from contemporary sports coverage]
Overall, Lokomotiv’s management appears focused on ensuring stability for the squad while navigating public commentary and media commitments. The team continues to structure its lineup and training schedule around the season’s objectives, keeping the core emphasis on performance on the field rather than off-field entertainment.