Alexander Mostovoy, a former forward who wore the shirts of Spartak Moscow and the Russian national team, weighed in on the possibility that the red-and-white clash with Krylya Sovetov in the 18th round of the Russian Premier League could be postponed because of the brutal cold. In an interview with socialbites.ca, he argued that this topic should be openly discussed on the day of the game. His point was practical: if a match is indeed in doubt, the decision should be made in real time, not days in advance, so teams and fans can adjust with clarity and fairness.
He noted that there had been talk of canceling the round this week, yet the plan seemed to endure. In Mostovoy’s view, the final verdict should hinge on the weather conditions at kickoff. Under current regulations, he believes play is not permissible when the thermometer sinks to -15 degrees Celsius or lower. While there is thankfully no snow, which helps keep the field playable, the overall condition can still be unforgiving to players and equipment alike. The consensus from his perspective is that such matters are decided on match day, allowing a last-minute review of ice coverage, turf integrity, and player safety. Mostovoy suggested that if the game proceeds, squads would adopt a measured tempo and rely on cautious, disciplined play rather than risk-prone moves.
The scheduled fixture between Spartak and Krylya Sovetov was set to kick off on Saturday, December 9, at 14:00 Moscow time. Officials would be observing the teams with a critical eye, and Pavel Kukuyan was expected to referee the match. Notably, Spartak’s head coach Guillermo Abascal would be unavailable due to a disqualification, adding another layer of strategic complexity for the home side as they navigated a tense, weather-affected clash.
In contrast, the 17th round saw CSKA face Rostov and Lokomotiv meet Zenit under heavy snowfall. The Rostov delegation faced a late scare as the game was threatened with postponement, but it ultimately proceeded at the scheduled time. After the match, Rostov’s head coach Valery Karpin publicly criticized the decision-maker responsible for approving play in poor weather, calling the decision-maker an idiot, and facing a one-match ban and another suspension as a consequence of his remarks. The episode underscored the ongoing tension between safety protocols and competitive expectations in winter conditions.
Earlier in the season, a veteran Spartak figure warned that any misstep against the Wings of the Soviets could prove disastrous for the club. The remark reflected lingering concerns about squad depth, tactical reliability, and the pressure to deliver results in challenging conditions. As the season wears on, teams increasingly weigh the non-football factors—the logistics, the travel fatigue, and the risk of injury—against the allure of a high-stakes league race. This ongoing debate illustrates why decisions on postgame play, schedule adjustments, and disciplinary actions remain in a state of careful, continual assessment by league officials, clubs, and players alike. [Citation: socialbites.ca]