Russia to investigate player party claim
Tuesday, 8 December 2009 22:34The Russian Football Union are to launch an investigation into reports of inappropriate behaviour by the national squad during the World Cup play-offs.
The Russians, coached by former Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink, suffered a shock defeat to Slovenia as their bid to reach next summer's finals in South Africa came to an end last month.
Following a television report from state-controlled Channel One claiming players had partied into the early hours ahead of the qualification play-off first leg in Moscow, there is to be an inquiry by the Russian football authorities.
A statement on their website, www.rfs.ru, read: 'The RFU sent an official letter to the heads of Channel One and the Marriott Grand, asking them to provide explanations about the reliability of the reported information.'
After the story broke, Arsene Wenger said Andrey Arshavin is an 'example for everybody' in his approach to the game.
The Russians, coached by former Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink, suffered a shock defeat to Slovenia as their bid to reach next summer's finals in South Africa came to an end last month.
Following a television report from state-controlled Channel One claiming players had partied into the early hours ahead of the qualification play-off first leg in Moscow, there is to be an inquiry by the Russian football authorities.
Wenger, however, insists Russia playmaker Arshavin - who joined the Gunners from Zenit St Petersburg during the January transfer window - is a model professional.
'He is a serious player and I have no doubt about his fitness at all' the Arsenal manager said.
'I do not believe a word of what I hear, not at all. From what I see, how he prepares for the games, he is an example for everybody.'
The Russian Football Union, meanwhile, intend to get to the bottom of the reports.
A statement on their website, www.rfs.ru, read: 'The RFU sent an official letter to the heads of Channel One and the Marriott Grand, asking them to provide explanations about the reliability of the reported information.'
