MOSCOW, June 25 (Itar-Tass) —— Sergei Fursenko has tendered resignation as president of the Russian Football Union which he headed since February 3, 2010.
In 2003 Fursenko was a member of the Board of Directors of Zenit St. Petersburg. In 2005, he became its chairman and later president. He held that position from 2006 to 2008.
One of his main, and most controversial, decisions made as president of the Russian Football Union was the transition to the “autumn-spring” system, which still raises many questions.
The resignation followed the poor performance of the Russian football team at Euro-2012.
“I have made the hard decision to step down as president of the Russian Football Union,” Fursenko said at a meeting with President Vladimir Putin on Monday morning, June 25, before his departure on a Middle East visit.
“Unfortunately, the Russian team has ended its participation in Euro-2012. It’s a pity because the team was very strong and Dick Advocaat did a good job. It was a misfire and our football fans who expected a different result are very much disappointed,” Fursenko said.
“I would like to apologise to the fans for this result,” he added.
Dick Advocaat is leaving as the chief coach of the Russian team.
“I hope that everything will fall in place,” Putin said and thanked Fursenko for his work.
“Football is developing in Russia quite rapidly. There are new talented players, the refereeing system has been overhauled, which is very important to avoid fixed games,” he said.
“You are also a member of the UEFA Executive Committee. Russia must not lose this place. I ask you to carry on this job,” the president said.