Russia

Russian Football Union

The Russian Football Union (RFU) was formed in January 1912, and reformed in 1992 after the fall of communism in Russia. The Federation oversees the Second Division, First Division, Premier League and the Russian National team. In addition, it also hosts the main three Cups in Russia. It has a close relationship with UEFA and FIFA, as club teams and the Russian National Team compete in international competitions that are sponsored by both confederations.

Federation History

The Soviet Football Union was founded in January, 1912, and was adopted by FIFA in the same year. At first, football in Russia was played in city leagues. In 1934 a league called the Russian Football Section was created, which was renamed to the Football Federation of the USSR after World War 2 united all the city leagues.

After the break up of the Soviet Union, in 1992, the Russian Football Union had to be reorganized, since certain clubs teams were not located anymore in country of Russia. In the July of that year, a new national football team was formed and the federation was readmitted into FIFA and UEFA. Till this date the Russian Football Union brings together two and a half million football players from 44 thousand club teams.

National Teams

Russian National Team

Federation Management

League President: Vitaly Mutko

About the League Association

Leagues

The Russian Premier League is the top division of Russian Football. There is a total of 16 teams in the whole league including such legendary clubs as Zenit St.Petersburg. It was organized in 2001, taking place of the Top Division, and gave clubs a greater degree of independence from the Russian Football Union.

Competition

The Russian Cup is the main competition, held annually by the Football Union of Russia. All clubs from the Russian Premier League, First and Second Division participate in the Russian Cup. It is structured in a knockout round format, with the top teams competing in Moscow for the title. The club FC Locomotive Moscow, has won the most Russian Cups out of any club, since the break up of the Soviet Union.

Important Links

www.rfs.ru

www.rfpl.org

References

www.wikipedia.com

www.rfpl.org www.rfs.ru