Struggle for the viewer, changing the format and softening the limit: how the RPL will change with the arrival of Khachaturyants as head of the league

RPL will fight for the viewer 

Ashot Khachaturyants became the new president of the Russian Premier League.

He was elected for a term of five years.

The functionary was the only registered candidate for the post, at the general meeting the heads of the clubs voted unanimously for him.

During the meeting, the head presented his concept for the development of the league, and then held a press conference with journalists.

Based on the proposed project, the main task of the RPL in the coming years is to make the league competitive at the world level, which will give an impetus to the successful performance of teams and the national team at international tournaments.

Good results, in turn, will attract the attention of foreign partners, and high-quality legionnaires will begin to consider proposals from Russia with great interest.

As Khachaturyants noted, it is planned to change the entire management structure of the RPL.

“Project management will be introduced.

We hope that as a result of coordinating the strategy, we will have 4-5 main projects.

Each will be led by a separate specialist who is responsible for implementation in front of me.

I'm talking about new challenges.

They will be approved in 3-4 months, ”the RPL president said.

At the same time, the functionary noted that they will have to compete not only with foreign football leagues, but also with other sports.

“It is necessary to attract the attention of new segments of the population.

Young people who play in the yard are often not interested in RPL.

We will fight for increased reach and visibility.

As for European cups, it is necessary to increase the number of our teams and raise the rating.

We would like to broaden the audience as much as possible, ”the official said.

Speaking about the strategy, Khachaturyants promised to provide not just numbers, but justifications for how they will be achieved.

According to the expert, with an increase in entertainment, the cost of rights will automatically increase.

“This applies to both title sponsors and betting companies.

Plus new products that we have not yet started working on, for example, e-sports, ”the official said.

At the same time, there are no plans to increase the minimum capacity of arenas in RPLs.

According to Khachaturyants, it is much more important to improve conditions for spectators in the stands: parking, food, accessibility.

Another important part of the strategy is the distribution of funds for TV rights between clubs.

According to the head of the RPL, it should be changed.

However, the specialist has not yet announced exactly how.

The introduction of Fan ID can make the idea of ​​increasing the attendance of football matches much more difficult.

According to Khachaturyants, this is an initiative of the government and the league cannot influence on its part, but now the RPL's task is to convey to the people who make decisions how to make the system for obtaining a fan passport transparent and easily accessible.

“The Fan ID story did not come from a good life.

Women and children should feel comfortable coming to the stadium.

It is very important that the implementation of this decision is carried out as comfortably as possible for the clubs.

Otherwise, it could negatively affect the league, ”the official said.

At the same time, according to Khachaturyants, it is important for the RPL to preserve the fan sector outside the gates.

The functionary promised to meet in person with fans after the Fan ID document was finalized.

Changes will affect the limit, championship format and charter

During the presentation of the strategic development concept, Khachaturyants paid special attention to interaction with Rospotrebnadzor during the coronavirus pandemic.

The RPL president suggested that the clubs first contact the league, which, together with the Russian Football Union, will resolve the issues of holding matches in Moscow.

The regions will have to negotiate with the local branches of Rospotrebnadzor directly.

“I, as the coordinator of the league, will conduct all communication with this structure.

The most important thing now is not to lose the viewer.

The clubs accepted our offer with optimism, ”the functionary said.

By the way, Khachaturyants leaves only one post in the RFU.

He promises to continue to work with the arbitrators as the head of the ESC, and instead of himself proposes Pavel Kamantsev to replace the chairman of the RFU referee committee.

“He is aware of all undertakings.

Together with me, he will bring our reform to the end.

I remain in the Expert and Judicial Commission.

Fortunately, we have such a tool that makes the final, informed decisions.

Based on their results, conclusions are drawn for final assessments of judges, ”the official said.

Speaking about the reform of the championship, the head of the RPL noted the league's focus on increasing the number of matches.

Which of the four options for changing the format will be chosen depends largely on the new strategy.

According to Khachaturyants, the clubs voted unanimously for the possibility of changing the regulations.  

“They have different views on the choice of this or that option, depending on the place they occupy in the table. In general, everyone in the RPL understands that it is important to increase the intensity. It takes time to choose the optimal scheme. Many things will depend on how clearly I convey my thoughts. My actions are aimed at financial results for them, at attracting viewers. The clubs have no doubt about it. My interest is to devote all my strength to change the state of affairs in Russian football, ”the official said.

Another important question is whether there will be changes in the limit for legionnaires.

At the moment, the "8 + 17" scheme is in effect, in which the team's application for the season can include no more than eight foreigners, and all of them can appear on the field at the same time.

According to Khachaturyants, it is still impossible to talk about canceling the limit, but some new formula will be proposed by the RFU.

“The question has been acute and for a long time.

He's not bothering the clubs in vain.

Today, there is no healthy competition among homegrown footballers.

We cannot speak now about the complete cancellation of the limit.

After agreement with the clubs, the formula "10 + 15" or some other will be approved and submitted to the RFU ", - said the head of the RPL.

Khachaturyants also plans to amend the league's charter and gain the right to vote.

“Experts must make decisions in ESCs, I do not claim anything there.

Here the situation is different, I believe that my opinion should be taken into account.

I will ask the clubs to have the 17th vote as president, ”the official said.

The head of the RPL promises to support the Russian national football team.

As Khachaturyants noted, everyone is interested in the successful performance of the national team in the play-off matches for the 2022 World Cup, therefore, the 22nd round of the national championship, which is scheduled for the period from March 18 to 22, will be postponed.

However, the clubs have not yet made a decision whether to postpone all matches or only a part.

How successful the steps of Khachaturyants will become as head of the RPL, the fans will see in the near future.

At the moment, he has both the support of the clubs and the head of the RFU.

Alexander Dyukov is confident that under the leadership of the new, already seventh president, the league will continue to follow the course of positive and constructive transformations.

“He has established himself as an effective manager who has done a lot of work in the judging committee, laid the foundation for further changes in this area.

I am sure that under his leadership, the interaction between the RPL and the RFU will remain extremely productive, "- quotes the TASS official.