Russian Football Union President Andrey Tikhonov Granted Release from House Arrest

Tikhonov Accused of Embezzlement

On Tuesday, May 17, 2023, Russian Football Union (RFU) President Andrey Tikhonov was released from house arrest after being accused of embezzlement.

Tikhonov, who has been under house arrest since December 2022, is accused of embezzling 25 million rubles ($333,000) while serving as general director of FC Yenisey Krasnoyarsk.

Tikhonov denies the charges and has appealed his house arrest.

RFU Calls for Fair Trial

The RFU has called for a fair trial for Tikhonov.

"The RFU believes that Andrey Tikhonov is innocent of the charges against him," the RFU said in a statement.

"We are confident that he will be exonerated and will be able to continue his work as RFU President."

Tikhonov Resigns from FIFA Council

Tikhonov has resigned from his position on the FIFA Council in light of the charges against him.

In a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Tikhonov said he was resigning to "avoid any damage to the reputation of FIFA."

"I am confident that I will be able to clear my name and will be able to return to my duties as FIFA Council member in the future," Tikhonov wrote.

Brunei to Host Friendly Match Against Russia

The Russian national football team will play a friendly match against Brunei on June 1, 2023.

The match will be played at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.

It will be the first time that the two teams have played against each other.