Petersburg Zenith and a former member of the Russian national team Vladimir Bystrov voiced sharp criticism of plans to expand the Russian Premier League, arguing that growth should come from the ground up rather than quick, sweeping changes. The conversation prompted by Spartak Gogniev, who previously led Khimki, pushed the debate into the spotlight and sparked a broader discussion about long term development in Russian football.
Bystrov suggested a cautious, staged approach that starts with the grassroots levels. He said that before unveiling expansion to grandiose levels, it would be wiser to first ensure the foundations are solid. In practical terms, this means building up the club system with a robust structure for youth development, ensuring every team has adequate training facilities in place, and creating stadium environments that can actually accommodate a growing fan base. He emphasized the importance of a full, well functioning developmental pipeline where young players can progress through organized stages rather than being rushed into top flights. The idea, in his words, is to establish a sustainable framework for player growth from the earliest ages. He also pointed out the need for reliable infrastructure, noting that a well run tournament for children must be complemented by functional facilities at the senior level.
The discussion touched on the practicalities of scale, including how many teams could realistically compete at the highest level once youth systems mature. It was suggested that a phased plan could begin with a more modest expansion, then expand further as clubs demonstrate stability, resources, and a consistent pathway for developing players. This approach would involve careful attention to player preparation, coaching standards, and the overall academy ecosystem that feeds the main league. The emphasis remains on what happens off the pitch as much as what happens on it, because the health of the league depends on the quality of its young talent and the environments where it is trained.
The remarks also reflected on the current state of the Russian championship. At present, the top tier features sixteen clubs, and after the 27th round Zenit has already secured the national title ahead of schedule. CSKA occupies second place with fifty four points, while Spartak Moscow sits in third. Rostov shares third place with the red and white club, each tallying fifty points. These standings illustrate that consolidation, not rapid expansion, may be the prudent course for a league seeking long term stability and international competitiveness. The focus, as argued, should be on strengthening the pipeline of talent and ensuring that every stage of the football ladder delivers value to players, clubs, and fans alike. The conversation around development underscores a broader principle: success in a league economy is built on depth at the base and a clear, credible pathway to the top. Attribution: Russian sports press, ongoing coverage of league reform discussions.