You're reading: Dynamo Kyiv president backs idea of CIS football championship

Dynamo Kyiv President Ihor Surkis sees only positive aspects in the possibility of creating a joint football league of CIS countries.

“I see only positive aspects in a project to combine the
championships of Ukraine and Russia, which has been discussed for more
than a year. First and foremost, and perhaps, most importantly, the
interest of spectators will grow. Secondly, the class of opponents will
grow. However, there are a number of questions. For example, it’s
necessary to know how the teams from this tournament will qualify for
European competitions,” he said in an interview with Sport-Express on
Thursday.

Surkis said that if there is such an idea, it should be discussed.

“This should not be done on the sidelines. This should be done
openly, along with the players, experts, and, most importantly, the
fans. Personally, I’m ready for such a discussion, and I see this
initiative combining as a big plus for football in our countries,” he
said.

As reported, on November 24, Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller said in an
interview with the official Web site of FC Zenit St. Petersburg that he
supported the idea of holding the CIS football championship.

The Football Federation of Ukraine, in turn, said that the idea of
holding a CIS football championship was good, but it would be hard to
realize.

“The Football Federation of Ukraine learned about it from the press.
The idea, of course, is interesting, but it will be hard to realize due
to many circumstances,” FFU First Vice-President Anatoliy Popov said on
Wednesday.