Shift in Russian Cup format fuels debate among football leaders

The dialogue around the Russian Cup for the 2022/23 season highlighted a clash between tradition and experimentation in Russian football. Vyacheslav Koloskov, who has long been recognized in the sport as a senior figure within the RFU, voiced clear skepticism about the new competition format. His concerns centered on the participant mix and the new rules that would govern the tournament. For the first time, amateur outfits Amkal and 2DROTS were set to take part in the domestic cup, and the event was planned to proceed under a double-elimination structure. These shifts sparked a broader debate about what the Cup should represent and how it should balance accessibility for non-professional teams with the prestige of facing top-tier clubs. The conversation underscored a broader tension in Russian football: preserving tradition that has deep roots while embracing innovations that could widen participation and fan engagement across the country.