Alexander Alaev, the president of the Russian Premier League, addressed the situation around the 18th round of the Russian Championship scheduled for December 8 to 10. He emphasized that the league’s general assembly holds the authority to delay a round by a majority vote of the clubs, a move that would then require approval from the executive committee of the Russian Football Union.
In a morning call, all clubs were reached and expressed support for continuing the season within the current rules. The plan would involve verifying the head referee’s assessment at match time and making a postponement decision if necessary. The league intends to review each case on its own merits and has not ruled out postponement into 2024 if conditions dictate.
The schedule currently includes two Moscow fixtures. On December 8, Lokomotiv Moscow is set to host Ural Yekaterinburg, followed by Spartak Moscow facing Krylya Sovetov Samara on December 9. Weather conditions in Moscow during this period are expected to feature frost with temperatures ranging roughly from 13 to 18 degrees Celsius.
Following the 17th round, Krasnodar leads the Russian Championship with 35 points, while St. Petersburg’s Zenit holds second place with 33 points. This positioning underscores the tight race at the top of the table and the potential implications of any scheduling changes.
Additionally, a former Spartak coach has floated a return to the spring autumn system, signaling ongoing debates about the league’s calendar format and competitive balance.
As the season progresses, clubs, fans, and officials continue to weigh the best path forward. The Russian Premier League remains focused on maintaining safety, fairness, and competitive integrity while remaining adaptable to weather and logistical realities. The dialogue among clubs and governing bodies aims to preserve a robust schedule that supports player health and spectator interest, even when extraordinary measures are needed to navigate severe winter conditions and other unforeseen challenges. [RPL] [Federation Insights]