MOSCOW, 24 Apr. The President of the Russian Premier League (RPL), Alexander Alaev, said that the league format will not be changed next season.
Earlier, Alaev allowed the format to change from next season. According to him, the RPL is discussing several options, including the introduction of the playoffs. At the moment, matches of the Russian Championship are held between 16 clubs in two rounds.
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“There is no question of changing the format of the RPL on the agenda of the general meeting of the League. In private conversations, a number of clubs raise questions about the cup and championship formats, but there is no unanimity. I am talking about the need to conduct this dialogue. Not individually, but all together to get together and discuss at the table,” Alaev told the Sport-Express newspaper.
According to him, format changes should take into account agreements with partners and the broadcaster.
“ “Given that the next season starts quite soon, we can hardly expect a change in format, but such work should go on. The clubs have a key position here. They should decide how to play. The main thing is that if any changes are made, then so so that there is a consensus,» he said.
In addition, Alaev said that the Russian Cup turned out to be «overloaded».
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«I think the group stage can be shorter. But the cup as a whole is very successful. The number of matches at the group stage is worth discussing, as well as the two-legged confrontation in the playoffs of the RPL path,» Alaev added.