“Russia’s booze and hookah party is a hoax”
Published: 15 December, 2009, 19:19
Edited: 16 December, 2009, 10:15
RIA Novosti Photo
TAGS: Sport, Scandal, Arshavin, Hiddink, Football
The employees of a Moscow restaurant, where a few Russian internationals were spotted ahead of the crucial World Cup 2010 qualifier against Slovenia, says none of the players broke the sporting regimen.
Russia's Channel One came up with accusations that the national team partied all night before their crucial World Cup qualifier on November 14.
“Yes, we had a table reserved for eight people. Three players came with their wives and were in the restaurant till 9 O’clock in the evening. Their wives stayed,” Vladislav Fedotov, restaurant manager, informed Sportbox.ru
“None of the players drank alcohol; their wives ordered just dry wine,” he added.
And the manager’s words were echoed by one of the waiters.
”Yes, they visited our place. Was there a hookah? Yes, there was one. But I can say that the people who smoked it didn’t take part in the game against Slovenia,” Arthur Kudoyarov said.
The “Man and Law” show claimed some of the players were seen drinking and smoking in a Moscow bar before their home game against Slovenia in the playoffs.
Guus Hiddink’s men won that game 2-1, but failed to qualify for the finals after a 1-0 defeat in the away leg.
The players and the Russian Football Union denied all the accusations and voiced plans to launch legal action against Channel One.
Euro 2012 logo unveiled in KievAn official logo for Euro 2012 to be jointly hosted by Poland and Ukraine was unveiled on Monday, RIA reports. |
Russia finish year 12th in FIFA RankingsThe Russian football squad has finished the year in12th place in the FIFA World Rankings, but they are not among the 32 teams to take their place at the World Cup next summer. |












This politics entering sport is really sad. Russia lost to bad referee in the second game. We all seen Russia play and they have ALWAYS been weak either at the end giving up a goal or in the beginning being slow to start. The players all put in an effort, but Arshavin seemed out of place the second game. This doesn't match up with the party scandal. Everyone is entitled to having a bad day. The fact people here are displaying anger at the players, the coach, and everything they can shows how they are fair weather fans. I have a distaste for such people. You love them when they're good, but hate them when they don't meet your expectations. That's like me being your friend for the money. Not really a friend, are you? They lost the second game because Dedic was on fire. They lost it because they were being fouled ruthlessly. They lost it because they were slow to start. They lost it because the referee protected Slovenia from fouls but called Russia for everything short of breaking wind. In the end, they could have gone if they didn't give up that goal in the first game. That goal was given do to lowering their guard and playing easy while trying to kill the clock. In the end it is a game. I understand the disappointment of not going to S.Africa, but this tearing up of everything that was built is inexcusable.