30 Dec 2014 20:05:11
Hi Ed, What impact do you think the failing economy and collapse on the rouble will have on Russian clubs? Do you forsee a raft of sales of top players out of Russia?

{Ed002's Note - The issue is something else, but there are a considerable number of "overpaid" players in Russia (e.g. Hulk, Witsel, Valbuena, Movsisyan, Kuranyi and Ozbiliz) who are earning significant wages and bonuses.

The Russian Football Union has been trying to negotiate a salary cap (at the behest of the Government) but it is not being well received. The clubs are not in an Anzhi-type situation but would generally welcome a reduction in wages. Three Russian clubs (Zenit St Petersburg, Anzhi Makhachkala and Rubin Kazan) are subject to UEFA sanctions (similar in a way to Manchester City and PSG) and each wants that behind them.

The likely result will be that (a) a salary cap will be gradually introduced over perhaps a three year period, (b) a number of the higher paid players (such as those named above) will be offered a one off payment in exchange for a salary reduction but this may not be attractive to all; (c) a number of the higher paid players (such as those named above) will be sold in the summer.}

1.) 31 Dec 2014
30 Dec 2014 23:59:25
Interesting, i wouldn't be surprised if we show interest in Witsel or Ozbiliz in the future