The Russian Football Union (RFU) has announced the organization of the inaugural All-Star Game connected to the Russian Cup. The event is set to take place on December 3, featuring a showcase format that brings together top league players and standout performers from regional football circles. This marks a significant step in spotlighting both professional and amateur talent within Russian football, aiming to elevate the profile of the Cup and its broader ecosystem. (Source: RFU)
Among the players expected to participate are high-profile names like Quincy Promes, the striker from Moscow’s Spartak, and Alexei Sutormin, a midfield mainstay from St. Petersburg’s Zenit. Also listed is Sergey Pinyaev, a forward from Samara’s Krylia Sovetov, with additional participants from other clubs and Medialeague teams taking part in the competition. The lineup is described as including the brightest representatives from amateur clubs and the Medialeague, underscoring the event’s inclusive spirit and its mission to showcase depth across Russian football. (Source: RFU)
The format of the match favors rapid action and a collaborative, festival-like atmosphere. Teams from the Russian Premier League (RPL) path and the regional path will compete in a 5-on-5 setup, with each half lasting fifteen minutes. This compact, fast-paced structure is designed to emphasize skill, teamwork, and inventive play, rather than endurance in a traditional 90-minute contest. The RFU notes that the roster is curated to balance star power with emerging talents, ensuring a dynamic spectacle for fans and a learning opportunity for players at all levels. (Source: RFU)
Included in the roster are players such as Alexey Sutormin, Quincy Promes, Sergey Pinyaev, and Alexey Gasilin, among others. The roster intentionally features a mix of celebrated professionals and rising stars from amateur clubs and Medialeague teams—participants who add depth and variety to the event, while giving younger talents a rare stage to shine before a national audience. (Source: RFU)
In addition to the on-pield competition, the organizers have planned a series of tests and challenges to accompany the match. Players will be assessed on power and shot accuracy, along with the ability to control and pick up the ball after striking it. The format will also involve goalkeepers and field players exchanging roles, providing a broader evaluation of each participant’s versatility and technical skill. These activities are designed to engage fans with tangible demonstrations of technique and athleticism, beyond standard match play. (Source: RFU)
The event will also feature a post-match draw that determines the pairing for the Russian Cup playoff round between the RPL entrants and regional teams. This draw adds an additional layer of excitement and ensures that the All-Star Game has a meaningful impact on the Cup’s progression, linking the showcase to the competitive rhythm of the season. (Source: RFU)
Commentary around the event has touched on the broader context of Russian football. One veteran voice, Oleg Romantsev, who previously coached Spartak Moscow, offered critique regarding the intensity seen in recent clashes between Zenit and Spartak in the Cup. His observations reflect a broader conversation about the competitive fever surrounding the Cup and its potential to drive rivalry and fan engagement in the months ahead. (Source: RFU)
The All-Star Game thus stands as more than a single exhibition. It is positioned as a platform for talent discovery, fan education, and the celebration of football culture across both major leagues and grassroots levels. By blending professional stars with up-and-coming players, the organizers aim to foster a lasting connection between the sport’s top echelon and its widespread community. (Source: RFU)