Russian Football Union (RFU) did not pay the national team coach Fabio Capello's salary, although they were required to do so by January 19. Monday was the last day when RFU had to transfer money to the account of the former England national team, Real Madrid, Juventus specialist.
This date was set by Russian officials, giving the football federation the opportunity to pay the money and avoid potential legal disputes.
The Russian Federal Labor and Employment Agency did not mention any legal actions on Monday, but warned RFU that an unplanned inspection could be carried out to further pressure the federation.
According to Russian laws, RFU President Nikolai Tolstoy may be removed for three years if he does not pay his employee. On Tuesday, N.Tolstych told the Russian media that last week FIFA had received a certain amount of additional money. He wanted to use it to pay F.Capello, but the amount was too small.
The situation with F.Capello is a great shame for Russia, which will host the 2018 FIFA World Cup. During his visit to Russia, UEFA President Michel Platini called the situation a very bad advertisement for Russian football.
Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said he was ashamed to discuss unpaid money to an Italian. V.Mutko played a key role in attracting F.Capello to the Russian national team in 2012. "This matter must be resolved quickly", angrily said V.Mutko.
Under the extension of the four-year contract signed last year, F.Capello would earn 8 million euros per year. Heavy fines are provided for delays.
Last year, Russian authorities began an investigation into unpaid wages. RFU owes F.Capello 2.4 million euros for the months of June-November. However, the amount is now higher, as RFU did not pay the salary for the following months from November.
It is believed that the amount in F.Capello's contract is specified in euros, but the money is paid in rubles, with the currency exchanged at a fixed rate. Due to the fall in the value of the Russian ruble, RFU's payment to the football specialist would now cost twice as much.
F.Capello has previously stated that the unpaid money is not related to the poor performance of the Russian national team. The team has only won one match out of the last eight. Among them was a winless performance at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
The 68-year-old football coach said in October that his patience was running out, but has since refused to comment on the matter.
RFU has been facing serious problems due to debts for several years. On Monday, oil magnate and owner of Moscow Spartak Leonid Fedun said that RFU owes him 3.97 million euros. L.Fedun allocated this amount for the preparation of the national team for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
AP ir lrytas.lt
