Spartak Moscow player Artem Bykovsky changes squad number amid regulatory questions
On February 5, Artem Bykovsky, a footballer for Spartak Moscow, re-registered with the red and white team using a different shirt number that did not appear in the current Russian Premier League regulations. This change was reported by Sports Express, a prominent sports publication.
During the first half of the season, Bykovsky wore the number 93. The 19-year-old striker is listed on Spartak’s official site and on the Russian Premier League site under this player. He appeared in the Youth Football League matches and was included in the main squad’s registration. He took part in the cup match against Dynamo Moscow, which ended 0-3. Presently, the RPL site lists him under the number 12.
Regulation reference notes that article 9.5.1 of the 2023/24 Russian Championship rules states that a footballer is not allowed to change his number within the same club during the championship period.
Spartak has spent 18 rounds in the Russian Premier League this season, sitting in fifth place with 30 points. Following the league’s restart, Spartak faced Zenit St. Petersburg in the subsequent fixture. The next match is scheduled to be an away game against St. Petersburg, set for March 2 with a kick-off at 19:30 Moscow time.
Previously, Spartak faced accusations of attempting to provoke controversy through the numbering issue.