Montenegrin football coach Miodrag Bozovic voices concern over refereeing in Russia
Miodrag Bozovic, a seasoned Montenegrin manager, has been vocal about what he views as significant problems in how refereeing is conducted in Russia. He argues that irregularities within the officiating system threaten fairness on the field and that money can influence decisions. Bozovic calls for transparent efforts to identify and expose those who offer bribes, insisting that the integrity of refereeing is critical for competitive balance and the sport to deliver trustworthy outcomes. His comments followed a summer interview in which he claimed that Russian referees sometimes make calls aimed at harming his team, a statement that sparked wide discussion across the football community.
Bozovic’s lengthy coaching career in Russia features spells with Amkar Perm, Dynamo Moscow, Rostov, Lokomotiv Moscow, Arsenal Tula, and Wings of the Soviets in Samara. These roles have informed his perspective on the pressures referees face in high-stakes matches and the need for accountability within officiating ranks. He advocates for transparent processes that can rebuild confidence among players, clubs, and fans.
During his time in Russia, Bozovic oversaw Rostov’s Russian Cup triumph in the 2013/14 season and guided Amkar Perm to the final seven years earlier. These successes illustrate his ability to translate tactical discipline into tangible results on the pitch and reflect his track record at the highest levels of competition. In the current Russian Premier League season, Krasnodar has taken the lead with a strong start, followed closely by Krylya Sovetov and Zenit St. Petersburg, creating a dynamic table that highlights the ongoing debates about officiating standards and fairness in Russian football.
Bozovic has also weighed in on public comments from fellow players, underscoring that voices from the playing and coaching ranks contribute to a broader conversation about how the sport is officiated, perceived, and improved across the league. His stance aligns with a wider European football dialogue about preserving integrity while managing the financial pressures and revenue dynamics that shape the modern game. The conversations surrounding officiating reflect a broader desire to safeguard the sport’s credibility and to maintain trust among fans who expect fair play in every match.