Akhmat’s former coach, Igor Shalimov, commented on the incident that unfolded during the Sochi versus Zenit match held on Saturday. He described a situation that drew attention not only to the tactical elements of the game but also to the practicalities of player equipment during a high-stakes fixture. Shalimov suggested that the issue might have been caused by a swollen finger that made removing a ring difficult, and he indicated that the governing body should review what happened. He added that he is not sure if the ring had been removed in earlier matches, but it appears the decision was taken to leave it on for the later stages of the contest.
According to the explanation from the former Akhmat mentor, the delay in addressing the ring was part of the reason the substitution protocol could not be completed in time. About ten minutes before the final whistle, Sochi attempted to keep Kirill Zaika on the pitch after a planned substitution, yet the change could not go through because the defender was wearing a wedding ring. The stand-in referee halted the field entry due to the jewellery but did not order the removal of the ring. Consequently, the remainder of the squad’s substitutes remained on the bench, and Zaika did not see any action on the field as planned.
The game concluded in a 1-1 draw, with Artur Yusupov and Gustavo Mantuan scoring for their respective sides. The result left Sochi, on 38 points with one round remaining, in tenth place in the standings. The club’s fans and analysts will likely scrutinize how equipment rules were enforced and whether any adjustments to the protocol could prevent similar situations in the future, especially in matches with tight schedules and heightened pressure.
Earlier reporting had noted the reasons behind Zaika’s inability to remove the ring before the match, a detail that drew additional attention to the incident. The episode serves as a reminder of how seemingly small issues on the field can influence substitutions and lineup decisions in professional football, particularly in leagues where disciplinary processes and referee judgments are closely watched by supporters, teams, and governing bodies alike.
As the season moves toward its closing stages, teams will be mindful of how equipment and safety rules are applied and interpreted, ensuring that all players are ready for competition while maintaining the integrity of the match. The dialogue around this event may continue, prompting reviews by the relevant committees and discussions among clubs about ensuring consistent enforcement in future fixtures.