Moscow, March 31 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov does not pay the wages of Russia manager Fabio Capello, a spokesman for the Russian oligarch said.
Reports in the Russian media have claimed that Usmanov, Russia’s wealthiest man on the Forbes magazine’s 2013 list of the world’s richest people, and Spartak Moscow owner Leonid Fedun together cover Capello’s multi-million dollar contract because the Russian Football Association (FA) is experiencing financial problems.
“Usmanov has never paid the contract of the coach of the Russian national football team,” Usmanov’s spokesman said Saturday.
The metals and mining tycoon provides the FA with funding but does not control what the money is used for, the spokesman suggested.
“He has expressed and continues to express support for the Russian Football Union (RFU), facilitating the development of national football. The distribution of financial assistance is within the competence of the RFU management. Mr. Usmanov does not take part in this process.”
Usmanov, who owns 29.11 percent of Arsenal, is a prolific financer of sports. In January, he helped clear major debts at Euroleague basketball team BC Khimki and he also acts as president of the International Fencing Federation.
When asked about the Capello claims, Fedun said: “I am not commenting on this.”
Capello was named Russia manager in July. The team are undefeated in eight games under the Italian and have won all five of their World Cup 2014 qualifiers so far.
–IANS/RIA Novosti
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