In a situation that has stirred heated debate across fans of Russian football, Zarema Salikhova, connected by marriage to Spartak’s former owner Leonid Fedun, weighed in on the ruling issued by the Expert Referee Commission of the Russian Football Union. The commission decided to dismiss referee Yevgeny Kukulyak in connection with a recent incident in the Russian Premier League. The comments were shared through Sport Express. Source: Sport Express.
Salikhova emphasized the need for accountability that reaches beyond the individuals on the field. She argued that those who train referees, and those who interpret the events during a game, must also face consequences when misjudgments occur. In her view, the referee on the field represents the final stage of a long chain of decisions, and if the system that supports officiating does not function correctly, the entire process falters. She noted that the problem of refereeing has persisted for years and pointed to a rise in noticeable errors with each season, suggesting systemic issues rather than isolated mistakes. Source: Sport Express.
Her remarks come in the wake of a highly scrutinized moment from a Zenit versus Dynamo match, where Kukulyak, after reviewing the video assistant referee footage, decided not to award a penalty. The scene involved Zenit midfielder Claudinho fouling Dynamo forward Konstantin Tyukavin, an action that occurred as Claudinho attempted a shot from outside the area and ended up on the turf. This moment sparked widespread discussion about the accuracy and consistency of refereeing decisions in high-stakes games. Source: Sport Express.
Following the match, Pavel Pivovarov, the general manager of Moscow’s club, proposed that Kukulyak be subjected to a polygraph examination, noting that such a practice has precedent in Russian football as a tool to assess judgment under pressure. The suggestion highlighted the intense public scrutiny referees face and the desire by club leadership to reassure supporters that decision-making is being vetted. Source: Sport Express.
In related commentary, Salikhova reiterated a call for unity between Spartak and Dynamo, urging patience and collective action rather than persistent criticism. Her stance underscored the broader tension surrounding officiating in Russian football, where fans and administrators alike seek reforms that could improve consistency on the field and restore confidence in the decision-making process. Source: Sport Express.