Zarema Salikhova, spouse of Leonid Fedun, the former owner of Moscow Spartak, addressed recent remarks made by Andrei Kanchelskis, the ex-midfielder of the Russian national team. The public discussion centered on women in football and how leadership roles are viewed within the sport, a topic that continues to spark debate among fans and professionals alike.
In prior comments, Kanchelskis drew attention by praising Salikhova for the impact she has had at Spartak, describing her efforts as extraordinary. Salikhova responded with a measured stance, emphasizing that her own priorities lie with the players and coaches who shape the team on a daily basis. Her focus remains on the collective success of Spartak rather than individual opinions from outsiders.
Following the completion of her MBA program, Salikhova reported receiving interest from clubs in England and France, underscoring the international attention her work has attracted. She made it clear that the presence and influence of women in football will continue to grow, and that professional opportunities in leading leagues around the world reflect a broader shift in the sport.
At the same time, Spartak sits in second place in the Russian Premier League after 17 rounds, with 36 points. The season has been competitive, with Zenit Saint Petersburg pacing ahead as the current league leader and a benchmark for high performance. The ongoing race underscores the significance of strategic decisions and leadership in shaping a club’s trajectory across the remaining fixtures.
Earlier public statements from Kanchelskis caused a stir by asserting that several matches involving the Russian national team in the 2018 FIFA World Cup were manipulated. Those claims prompted responses from various figures within football, each offering a different perspective on integrity, competition, and the responsibilities of those who speak about the sport at the highest levels.