Valery Masalitin, a former CSKA Moscow striker, argues that Russia’s top league should rethink the legionnaire cap because European success has been elusive for years. He believes the current system, while intended to bolster local talent, has produced uneven outcomes and suggests a tighter gate on foreign players to elevate the level of domestic competition. Masalitin’s view centers on quality over quantity, stressing the need for players who can impact games and raise the standard across teams. This perspective appears amid ongoing discussions about how the league can attract stronger players while preserving opportunities for homegrown talent. [Source: Masalitin interview]
Masalitin proposes a clear cut: the squad should feature only three or four legionnaires, and those players must be of demonstrable high caliber rather than mere visitors. He points to the example set by players such as Vagner Love, Carvalho, Promes, and Hulk as benchmarks for what the league should aim to attract and retain. The aim is to balance competitive quality with the development of domestic players who can grow within Russian football and contribute to long-term club and national team success. [Source: Masalitin interview]
Currently, clubs in Russia can register up to 13 foreign players on their official squad list, with a maximum of eight foreigners permitted to be on the pitch at any one time. This foreigner quota was approved in March of 2022, and its impact across teams has been a topic of debate among coaches, players, and league administrators. The rule is designed to manage squad composition while allowing clubs to pursue international talent when it adds real value on the field. [Source: League regulation review]
Zenit St. Petersburg has been a dominant force in Russian football, often cited as the league’s flagship club in recent years. In the 2022/23 season, CSKA Moscow finished in second place, and Moscow’s Spartak completed the top three. These outcomes illustrate the competitive landscape and the roles foreign players and domestic talents play in shaping final standings. Observers note that maintaining high standards across top clubs is crucial for the league’s credibility on the European stage. [Source: season recap]
There have been calls from former coaches like Sergei Yuran to tighten the legionnaire limit further, arguing that a more restrictive approach could spur deeper development of Russian players and ensure more opportunities for homegrown stars. The debate touches on broader questions about how Russia’s football system organizes talent, funds player development, and positions itself in European competitions. Supporters of a stricter limit argue that it would force clubs to invest in youth academies and domestic pipelines, while opponents contend that it could depress competitiveness by limiting access to proven foreign methods and experience. [Source: coaching commentary]