Former Russian national team player Alexander Mostovoy commented on the RFU Ethics Committee decision to impose a one year suspended sentence on coach Leonid Slutsky. Mostovoy’s remarks were quoted by RB Sport as part of the coverage.
Mostovoy stated that Slutsky received a fair punishment. He noted that every profession has individuals who become entangled and driven by opportunity. He compared the situation to a doctor who suddenly finds himself in a demanding spotlight. In his view, Slutsky is simply a man who happened to seize a sudden chance and used it. Such moments occur, and one might wonder how someone could resist the lure when a bright, tempting opportunity arises.
The Ethics Committee acted after Slutsky spoke to journalist Vitaly Borodin in a video published on the streaming platform YouTube, on the channel Komment.Show, dating back to August 14. The committee judged that Slutsky’s conduct tarnished the reputations of FIFA, UEFA, and the RFU. The public record of the case centers on how his words and behavior were perceived within the sport’s global governance framework and their potential impact on trust among fans, players, and officials alike.
The incident followed a situation after Lokomotiv Moscow faced Krylya Sovetov. A journalist attempted to pose a question to Artem Dzyuba and received a forceful, threatening response. Earlier, Dzyuba had stated his disinterest in media engagement and asked for questions that would merit his attention. Slutsky defended his partner on a joint program on YouTube and described the journalist in harsh terms, later labeling him an idiot. During the broadcast, Slutsky referred to the journalist as a 19-year-old moron, a remark that drew widespread attention and condemnation from several observers within Russian football circles.
Vladimir Ponomarev, a veteran of CSKA, previously commented that the decision to disqualify Slutsky was correct. The dialogue surrounding the verdict reflects broader debates about media interactions, player and coach conduct, and the standards expected of public figures in sport. The evolving discussion continues to shape attitudes toward accountability and professional behavior in football circles across Russia and the international community.