CSKA Moscow’s veteran player Vladimir Ponomarev publicly criticized the structure of the Russian Cup, voicing strong opinions about how the competition unfolds. He described the current format as problematic and urged organizers to consider changes that would better reflect the level of play and competitive fairness expected in modern football. Ponomarev argued that a knockout style that eliminates teams too quickly can distort the true form of squads, leaving little room for resilience, tactical evolution, or momentum to build as a cup runs its course.
According to Ponomarev, the tournament’s format can lead to early exits that feel less like merit than consequence. He noted that teams can be knocked out despite showing solid performance in earlier rounds, which, in his view, undermines the spirit of competition. His remarks suggest a desire for a system that rewards consistent performance over the course of a season and provides more opportunities for teams to rebound from defeat. He warned that European observers might view the present setup as incongruent with the standards seen in other leagues, potentially inviting skepticism about the Russian Cup’s legitimacy on the wider football stage.
In the current season, the Russian Cup features a crossover between the RPL Pathway and the Regional Pathway. For the second consecutive year, both pathways participate in the cup, with relegated clubs from the RPL Pathway entering the Regional Pathway during the play-off stage. This structure aims to integrate teams from different levels of Russian football and create dramatic matchups that can showcase depth across the league system. Supporters and analysts have debated how this mix affects competitive balance, fixture congestion, and opportunities for young players to gain crucial match experience in high-stakes games.
CSKA Moscow holds ownership of the Russian Cup trophy, having secured the title after edging Krasnodar in a penalty shootout in a tense final. The result underscored the competitive nature of the tournament and reinforced the club’s status as a leading force in Russian football. The final’s drama highlighted the emotional stakes that cups can deliver when knockout pressure forces teams to confront decisive moments, elevating the spectacle for fans and increasing the competition’s profile within the country.
Back in spring 2022, the football world underwent a seismic shift when FIFA and UEFA suspended the participation of the Russian national team along with all Russian clubs in competitions governed by these bodies. The decision reverberated through domestic leagues and international fixtures, affecting scheduling, player eligibility, and revenue streams. Officials and referees who previously officiated European Cup matches also ceased involvement in those events, reshaping the landscape of Russian football on the European stage and accelerating discussions about long-term talent development, financial sustainability, and governance in the sport. The broader impact extended beyond the pitch, influencing strategic planning for clubs, broadcasters, and national associations as they adapted to new realities and sought to preserve competitive integrity during a challenging period.
In earlier remarks, Ponomar outlined why a postponed match against Rostov had been necessary, pointing to scheduling, player welfare, and logistical considerations that occasionally complicate the calendar. The decision to delay a game, he suggested, can be a reflection of prudent risk management within a congested season where teams juggle domestic duties with European or international commitments. Such postponements, while frustrating for fans awaiting a decisive result, can also provide clubs with critical time to recover players, reassess tactics, and prepare more thoroughly for what can be a decisive fixture in the cup run. The incident serves as a reminder that the rhythm of a cup campaign is not just about wins and losses; it is also about the strategic patience teams must exercise when injuries, travel, and cluster schedules press on their resources.