Alexander Alaev, the president of the Russian Premier League (RPL), addressed a question about whether Medialiga clubs could participate in the RPL while bypassing the established regulations. He stated clearly that this path is not an option. He expressed ongoing support for the Medialiga but underscored that the league operates on sporting principles. Popularity or entertainment value alone does not grant entry; the rules must be respected to preserve competitive integrity. The reply reflected a firm stance that fairness and structure are foundational to the sport’s ecosystem. This perspective was relayed in a report attributed to Championship.com.
On March 25, a Medialeague club known as 2DROTS secured a 2-1 victory against CSKA in a friendly match staged at VEB Arena. The goals for 2DROTS were netted by Vladislav Oslonovsky, Stanislav Manaev, and Fedor Chalov contributed to the scoreline. Notably, CSKA’s legendary player Daniel Carvalho appeared in the match, participating alongside current teammates in a display that blended nostalgia with the club’s ongoing competitive spirit. This fixture highlighted the evolving dynamics between traditional powerhouses and emerging teams within the broader football landscape. The game served as a tangible signal of how cross-overs between leagues might be perceived by fans and stakeholders, even as regulatory questions remain unresolved. The outcome added to the ongoing discourse about competition formats, player availability, and the responsibilities of clubs within Russia’s top-tier football structure. The event was reported through multiple outlets, with Championship.com providing coverage of the match and its broader implications.
Yuri Zhirkov, a former defender for the Russian national team, publicly commented on potential moves into media-focused football. He revealed that he had received several offers from media-focused teams but chose to decline them. Zhirkov indicated that, while opportunities in media football exist and continue to emerge, the decision to participate remains complex and highly personal. He noted that the practical realities—such as managing schedules, maintaining training and conditioning, and balancing public exposure with performance on the pitch—pose significant challenges. When asked about future plans, Zhirkov suggested there were no concrete agreements in place at the moment, emphasizing that there were no immediate ventures into media football. His remarks reflect a cautious approach to diversification, underscoring a preference for staying aligned with traditional competitive football rather than pursuing ancillary roles in media-driven formats. The conversation around his stance illustrates how players weigh opportunities beyond conventional club play, especially in an era where cross-disciplinary roles are increasingly common. His reflections were shared in discussions about the broader trend toward media engagement within football and the varied considerations athletes must weigh before committing to new paths.