Russian news

[Big Bunny]

Digging around for some Russian news I came across a few tidbits. One, is that Locomotive Moscow are possibly in the big leagues when it comes to funding (similar to Kazan Arrows and Dynamo Moscow). They were promised funding by the Railways Minister - Vladimir Starostenko after their last tournament win.

In 2004 it is expected that the league will have the expansion we have been speculating about, but it may also be the first in which the league is backed by a reserve grade, something which is sorely needed.

An interesting side note is that at the official presentation at the hotel after the game, the Locomotive RL coach received a congratulatory phone call from the Locomotive soccer coach from Spain, where they were in preparation for tie against Real Madrid. It's good to know that that there are ties between the two branches of the club beyond where their funding comes from.

 

[yakstorm]

That is fantastic news on all parts Good to see a strong connection between Soccer and League in Russia (Dynamo and Locomotiv) I really think it will help the competition grow a lot faster.

Be interesting to see if some of that rumoured funding for the St Petersburg side from a private source comes true. After some of their results, they need a leg up.

 

[DIEHARD]

Oh I'd love a St Petersburg side, THAT'D BE MY TEAM! :mrgreen:

 

[screeny]

Great news and great digging work, Big Bunny.

The Russian chaps really seem to be making all the right moves.

It's funny, what with all the continuing resentment and second guessing concerning PSG here we have an equally renowned name in European football circles with a symbiotic league-soccer relationship and it's going relatively unnoticed.

Obviously this is coz it's Russian and not within the English language media loop but still, the Russians have shown us that there is success in twinning with football's blue blood clubs.

Any news on the proposed youth tournament? Surely by the end of this year is too optimistic seeing as no plans have been announced?

 

[yakstorm]

Well they have confirmed sponsors, Moscow Council and the Sports Minister.

They have confirmed venues, it will more or less be if the other nations feel it will be too rushed.

 

[ali]

And what about Spartak Moscow, who were back in League at that pre season tournament. Another famous soccer name associated with our game.

Nice work BB, looks like positive news all round.

 

[JK]

Where has the impetus for the league/soccer alliances come from? Our side or theres?

 

[joshreading]

Russia now has the third highest number of rich people in the world (billionaires etc.) To my mind if RL can get more on side we could really make a difference.

I am still of the opinion that a Russian Super League side funded by a joint consortium for a couple years with the express aim of starting a Eurasia Super League could work.

 

[yakstorm]

I personally feel that Super League sides or 'outpost' sides in any competition should not be considered unless there is no other way to boost the playing standard in that country or to keep League in that country.

New Zealand had merit, same with France, but Russia is going down the right path that in 5-10 years time it could host its own professional competition. Sure maybe not the same standard as Australia and UK, but it at least gives League a third major outpost, and from that we can grow it.

 

[JVinAZ]

Where has the impetus for the league/soccer alliances come from? Our side or theres?

Not sure who is leading this, but it is not surprising and should prove to be a positive development. Throughout continental Europe, and in particular central Europe, eastern Europe and Scandinavia, it is not uncommon for sports clubs known primarily for soccer or ice hockey, to field teams in a wide variety of both men's and women's sports. For example, during a 6 week business trip to Sweden in 2002, I attended soccer, handball, bandy (field hockey on ice) and innebandy (floor hockey) matches hosted by teams of the Hammarby IF sports club.

RL clubs in Russia, should find these arrangements porfitable in that they can provide an instant fan base of those loyal to the club, and established sponsorship opportunities.

 

[Alan Shore]

Great idea for RL to ally with soccer. It's better to have friendly relations and that way have more supporters, positive media coverage and finance.