Alexander Dyukov, who leads the Russian Football Union, indicated that the federation could revert to the earlier Russian Cup format if clubs express dissatisfaction with the new structure. He emphasized that the federation would hold discussions with club representatives to gauge whether changes are needed and that a return to the prior format remains a real option if all involved parties agree that it is necessary. The possibility of reverting underscores that the federation is listening to clubs and aims to maintain a competitive and practical schedule for teams across divisions.
Dyukov noted that the current setup is more intricate than before. A key drawback pointed out is the challenge it creates for teams in the First and Second Divisions when traveling through regional rounds, a concern echoed by many stakeholders who want clarity and predictability in scheduling. The football community is watching closely as clubs consider the implications for travel, preparation, and competitiveness, especially for smaller clubs that must manage tighter resources while pursuing Cup progression.
Ahead of this season, organizers introduced a reform to the Cup structure. The updated plan adopts a double-elimination format, where a team is eliminated after its second defeat, a system designed to heighten drama and ensure teams are fully tested before advancing. This shift aims to balance opportunity with the reality of a busy domestic calendar and to create meaningful, high-stakes matches at every stage of the tournament.
The competition has been split into two pathways: the Russian Premier League Road, which features teams from the top flight, and the Regions Road, which focuses on clubs from lower divisions. The two-path concept sought to broaden participation and reflect the geographic and competitive diversity of Russian football. Organizers initially proposed the May 2022 scheduling approach, drawing from concepts associated with the Russian Premier League Cup and seeking to align the Cup with the broader rhythm of Russian domestic football.
Dyukov, speaking in a capacity that reflects his long tenure with the federation, underscored the importance of a final to seal the Cup storyline at a prominent venue. The last match of the Russian Football Cup is slated to take place at Luzhniki Stadium, a venue known for hosting major national and international events. This decision emphasizes the event’s prestige and provides a fitting stage for a competition that increasingly emphasizes momentum, spectacle, and national interest.
As the season unfolds, clubs, officials, and fans will follow developments closely. The dialogue between the federation and the clubs is expected to shape the Cup’s final format, the balance between regional and top-tier participation, and the sequencing of matches across a crowded calendar. In this environment, the leadership remains attentive to feedback from all levels of Russian football while pursuing a format that sustains competitiveness, accessibility, and excitement for spectators across the country and around the world.