Swiss Coach Training CSKA in Russia Faces Imprisonment – Media

The President of the Russian Football Union (RFU), Alexander Dyukov, expressed his dissatisfaction with the criticism of CSKA's head coach Fabio Celestini regarding his work with the Russian team. He stated that football and sports should remain outside of politics, and such situations indicate political pressure on football.

“I condemn such pressure on the coach. It is wrong. Football and sports should be outside of politics. These cases confirm that football is becoming an instrument of political pressure. Of course, it should not be like this,” – Dyukov's words are quoted by Russian propagandists.

According to L'Équipe, the legislation of Switzerland and Spain, the countries where Celestini resides, prohibits receiving payments from economic entities that are under sanctions of the European Union. VEB Bank, which finances CSKA, has also fallen under these sanctions. This could lead to the coach facing imprisonment for up to five years in Switzerland and up to six years in Spain if he travels to these countries with money received from the Russian club.

Club World Championship. Quarterfinals

• July 4, 22:00 – “Fluminense” – “Al-Hilal”
• July 5, 04:00 – “Palmeiras” – “Chelsea”
• July 5, 19:00 – “PSG” – “Bayern”
• July 5, 23:00 – “Real” – “Juventus” – “Borussia” – “Monterrey”

In connection with the approaching quarterfinals of the Club World Championship in football, three out of four pairs of teams, which will continue to fight for the title, are already known. The second qualifying round of the Champions League will feature a match between “Dynamo” and the winner of the pair “Zalgiris” (Lithuania) – “Hamrun Spartans” (Malta). Matches of this stage will take place on July 22/23 and July 29/30. For “Dynamo”, these will be the first official matches of the new season. The first game will be played away, while the second match will be considered home for the Kyiv club. Conclusion: The President of the RFU expressed dissatisfaction with the criticism of the CSKA coach, believing that football should remain outside of politics. At the same time, Celestini may face problems due to the legislation of Switzerland and Spain regarding EU sanctions. In addition, the quarterfinals of the Club World Championship are approaching, while “Dynamo” is preparing for the second round of the Champions League.