By David Gold
July 21 – Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko has emerged as a contender for the vacant post of President of the Russian Football Union (RFU).
If he is offered the post it could mean a return to a role Mutko (pictured) held between 2005 and 2009.
The prospect of Mutko’s return would also be an intriguing one politically, given that he has been outspoken on the decision to change the Russian football calendar that moved it in line with the rest of Europe.
He has also been critical of the recent move to allow clubs to field seven players on the pitch at any one time, rather than six as previously.
Russian newspaper RIA Novosti reported his nomination for the post, quoting Mutko as saying: “it is evident that things in football are really bad if they are nominating me again”.
RIA Novosti also state that the Krasnodar region football federation nominated Mutko for the post.
Others in contention for the role are Premier League chief Sergei Pryadkin and politician Igor Lebedev.
Sergei Fursenko resigned from the position after Russia’s dismal exit from this year’s European Championships at the group stage.
Dick Advocaat also left his role as Russia manager.
Mutko has been heavily involved in the appointment of his successor, almost certain to be former England coach Fabio Capello.
The new President will be elected by secret ballot on September 3.
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