The head of Torpedo, Alexander Volnushkin, stated that arranging the 20th round clash between Spartak Moscow and Fakel Voronezh at Luzhniki is not feasible. He indicated that the plan requires alternative scheduling and warned of potential security complications during a move. He also noted that preparations for the home game against Tyumen are proceeding as planned and that supporters are aware the match will be held on the 11th, with tickets already on sale.
On March 11, Torpedo is scheduled to host Tyumen at Luzhniki as part of the 22nd round of the First League. The Spartak versus Fakel game is expected to be played a day earlier in a different venue if possible, reflecting the ongoing logistical considerations surrounding the fixture list.
Earlier, on February 29, the Russian Premier League commission ruled that the Lukoil Arena did not meet requirements to host the Fakel Voronezh match in the 19th round of the national championship. The game was rescheduled to March 10. Sports Express reported that Spartak prioritized relocating the match to Luzhniki, with Khimki Arena noted as a backup option in case of further complications.
Spartak sits on 30 points after 18 rounds, occupying fifth place in the table. Krasnodar led the championship heading into the winter break with 38 points, while Zenit remained close behind in second, just short of a two-point gap. Dinamo Moskva also sits firmly within the top three with 32 points. The standings underscore the tight race at the business end of the season and the impact of venue changes on team momentum.
There had been previous public comments about Spartak from Dynamo, who mocked the club’s situation on the Lukoil Arena field, highlighting the recurring challenges teams face when stadium readiness and scheduling collide with competitive demands. The broader context shows how venues, security, and fixture congestion can influence not only travel plans and fan experience but also strategic decisions across Russian football during the campaign.