"We play football in the 2000s": Dyukov on the number of teams in the RPL, referee errors and the scandal around Shirokov

- Do you fear the deterioration of the epidemiological situation in Russia?

- Indeed, now there is a negative trend, apparently in October we should expect a new peak.

But we are monitoring the situation and preparing for various scenarios.

So far, we do not see any serious prerequisites for the suspension of the championship and we proceed from the fact that the scheduled matches will take place.

From the point of view of the situation within the teams, thanks to the experience and knowledge gained in the summer, we hope to avoid a large number of sick football players.

Of course, this is only possible if the regulations are observed.

On the other hand, now we understand what to expect from the virus itself, there are statistics on the players who have recovered.

As a rule, most of them survived the disease without symptoms, and pneumonia resulted in only minor lung damage.

In general, the disease did not affect the athletes' functional state in any way.

- Is it possible to return to matches without spectators?

- It all depends on the decision of the authorities of a particular region.

We do not see the need to introduce additional restrictions.

I believe that if you take precautions, attending matches does not pose a danger and does not lead to a worsening of the epidemiological situation.

- How do you feel about the possible reduction of teams in the Russian Premier League (RPL)?

- As far as I know, this issue was not discussed at a serious level.

But my position has not changed.

It would be nice if 18 teams competed in the Russian championship, since we have a large country.

But for this, the clubs must have financial and management capabilities.

In addition, I am in favor of increasing the intensity of the matches themselves, which is not always possible with a large number of participants.

- What do you have in mind?

- If you watch our matches, then many teams defend themselves with a low block, and the footballer in possession of the ball has an eternity to make a decision - he can drink coffee and write “War and Peace”.

This is football of the 2000s.

In Europe, the player does not even have a second to think.

This is where the success of the leading national teams in the international arena lies, including in the last world championship.

We need to move in this direction, to catch up with competitors.

What can the RFU do from this point of view?

Just propose to revise the format so that there are more meetings with high intensity.

We do not need RPL participants to limit themselves to the goal of scoring points.

This will not help in any way in European competitions or the national team.

- How do you assess the refereeing at the start of the current RPL season?

- We are seeing progress in comparison with the last championship, and the last rounds were quite calm.

The referees were less likely to make mistakes.

Judge for yourself: 46 key mistakes were made in the first nine rounds of the 2019/20 season.

Now - 37, that is, 20% less.

It is worth adding that we are doing everything we can to improve the literacy of the football community.

The RFU has become more open in matters of refereeing, which also helps, the level of tension decreases.

Here I would like to separately thank the clubs that behave with restraint.

There have been and will be scandals, but the overall situation has become calmer.

I would also pay special attention to the style of play, which affects the number of violations.

Yes, it matches that of the leading European championships.

But for me the main reference point is the English Premier League (Premier League), where 20% fewer violations are recorded than ours, although the intensity is much higher.

- At the same time, there are still many controversial points related to the operation of the

VAR

- Yes, from this point of view, not everything suits us.

Although VAR is not only wrong, it helps.

During the first rounds, the system helped to make the right decisions 18 times, although 19 key mistakes were made.

Last season for the same period there were 40 of them. Of course, this number does not suit us either, but we understand that it is impossible to completely exclude them.

We strive to ensure that there is one mistake for each round.

- What will be the duties of the British referee David Eller, appointed to the post of advisor to the RFU Secretary General?

- He will participate in the preparation of training programs for arbitrators and conduct theoretical studies.

As for whether he can comment on controversial points, from this point of view, we still have to finalize his functionality, although there have already been two controversial episodes, on which we cited his opinion.

- In the 10th round of the RPL championship leaders "Spartak" and "Zenit" will meet.

What are your expectations from this match?

- For a long time now, most of all I have been waiting for the quality work of the referees and the absence of key mistakes.

This is a minimum program, but it is very important.

As for football, I want to watch an intense, high-quality and spectacular game.

I hope the match will turn out exactly like this.

- Such meetings are often characterized by ambiguous behavior of the fans.

What will the RFU do if incidents are not avoided this time too?

- Such issues are considered by the Control and Disciplinary Committee (CDC), the Ethics Committee.

I will not hide, it happens that they ask my opinion, but in such cases I just share my vision, the last word still remains with them.

Of course, any insult is contrary to the ethics and culture of both ours and world football.

This is not martial arts or fights without rules, where such behavior is the norm.

We want to see a festive, family atmosphere in the stands.

And from such actions will suffer not only she, but also the image of the league as a whole.

- Do you have any fears that Ufa, Tambov and Khimki, which have faced financial difficulties, will not finish the championship?

- It is difficult for me to assess their financial condition.

We have not received any complaints that they have an unfavorable situation.

If it appears, then I will help as much as I can.

Yes, there are difficulties, but everyone has them.

I hope the clubs will be able to overcome them.

- How do you assess the chances of Tambov to move to Saransk?

- I don't believe in it, knowing the situation in Saransk.

I do not think that the city is ready to accept and support the RPL club.

- How do you assess the new format of the Russian Cup?

- It is clear that the first pancake always comes out lumpy.

We may not achieve all goals due to the coronavirus, but the new format has attracted the attention of partners and sponsors.

We have tripled our receipts, and the prize fund has grown 10 times.

Clubs are also changing their attitude towards this tournament.

Based on the results of the current draw, we will make adjustments, and next season we will have the best option.

- What do you know about a possible investigation into the head of the RPL Sergei Pryadkin?

- I know that the clubs have shown him confidence and continue to support him.

I don't know anything about the checks.

This is not our area of ​​responsibility, we have no right to interfere.

- Why did the RFU delay the publication of the list of 33 best players of the last season?

- The algorithm for compiling it is as follows.

Each club proposes its own candidates for this or that nomination.

The technical committee summarizes this data and makes its own adjustments, since teams are not always objective.

But by the last meeting of the executive committee, not everyone had time to decide on the applications, so it was decided to wait for the rest.

This time, the opinion of the clubs coincided by 90% with the opinion of the technical committee.

Only two players were asked questions.

- Don't you think it is necessary to change the criteria for compiling the list?

- Yes, we intend to double-check their relevance, let's see what should be added and what should be removed.

Its format requires a creative and at the same time technical approach so that our list does not overlap with other awards.

- The upcoming matches of the Russian national team will be held without spectators.

Does the RFU intend to organize fan zones, as it was in Nizhny Novgorod during the meeting with Serbia?

- Of course, the support of the fans would have helped our national team, so it's a pity that the games will be held with empty stands.

But we are really planning to organize broadcasts for fans from other cities, since last time everyone liked this format very much.

The Russia - Turkey match can be watched at the Gazprom Arena, and Russia - Hungary at the Rostov Arena.

- How did you react to the scandal around Roman Shirokov, who attacked the referee during an amateur match?

- I know Roman well, we continued to communicate after he finished his career.

He is an emotional person who sometimes overreacts emotionally.

Of course, this does not excuse him, and I am sorry that he committed such an offense.

It is difficult to assess this situation, since I am not aware of all the details.

I think the court will sort it out and make the right decision.

I hope that Shirokov himself will draw certain conclusions for himself.