Former Dynamo coach Vladimir Krikunov, who mentored SKA St. Petersburg in the past, weighed in on the report that Mikhail Vorobyov admitted to possessing a military ID. Krikunov described the matter as a mix of scandal and utter nonsense, arguing that Vorobyov should not be judged as a fugitive or a criminal and that the incident appears to have been influenced by the wrong people. He praised Vorobyov as an outstanding Russian scorer with intelligence, a strong understanding of the game, and a genuine drive to advance his career.
The hockey player reportedly confessed his guilt during a meeting in Ufa. On August 10, three cases involving former Salavat Yulaev Ufa players, including Vorobyov, Vladislav Lukin, and Anvar Suleymanov, were discussed in relation to bribery allegations. The Lukin case was postponed because the defense attorney was unavailable, while Suleymanov’s hearing was delayed due to a witness under house arrest being unable to attend. The proceedings indicate a tense and ongoing legal process around these figures.
Projections in the cases suggest that Vorobyov and Suleymanov could face substantial penalties, with potential prison terms reaching up to 12 years and fines possibly amounting to as much as 60 times the value of any bribe. The situation has drawn comment from notable figures in hockey, including former two-time Olympic champion Alexander Kozhevnikov, who commented on the developing case and its implications for the players involved and the sport’s reputation.