Roman Babaev General Director of CSKA Date of Birth: 13.02.1978 Country: Russia

1. Roman Babaev: A Biography
2. The Challenges of Financial Fair Play
3. The Impact of Currency Fluctuations
4. The Financial Philosophy of CSKA
5. Defending CSKA's Reputation
6. The Future of Russian Football

Roman Babaev: A Biography

Roman Babaev is the director of PFC CSKA, one of the few Russian clubs that manages to have a surplus in its budget. In a recent interview, Babaev discussed the challenges and opportunities of financial fair play in Russian football.

The Challenges of Financial Fair Play

When asked about the concept of financial fair play, Babaev expressed his support for the idea, but also acknowledged that implementing it in practice can be challenging. He noted that some Russian clubs, especially those backed by corporations or the government, can easily bypass the rules by signing sponsorship contracts with their shareholders. Nevertheless, Babaev believes that if all clubs adhere to the regulations without trying to cheat, financial fair play can be beneficial for Russian football.

The Impact of Currency Fluctuations

Babaev also highlighted the impact of currency fluctuations on the budgets of Russian clubs. He explained that most commercial revenues are generated in rubles, while player wages and transfer fees are traditionally tied to euros or dollars. This creates a financial imbalance when the euro-dollar exchange rate increases, as clubs have to convert more rubles to fulfill their financial obligations. Babaev used the example of signing a foreign player who demands to be paid in euros, which can put additional strain on the club's budget.

The Financial Philosophy of CSKA

Babaev emphasized that CSKA prioritizes sporting success over financial gains. While acknowledging that there have been instances where the club profited from player transfers, he stated that their primary focus is always on achieving sporting results. CSKA's main sources of income are participation in the UEFA Champions League and commercial activities with various partners. The club also generates revenue from ticket sales, although Babaev admitted that the Russian football market is not as developed in this area compared to other leading leagues.

Defending CSKA's Reputation

Babaev recalled a controversial period in CSKA's history when the club was accused of financing Chechen militants. He mentioned a legal case brought against a media outlet that published an article with such allegations, which CSKA successfully disproved. The incident serves as an example of the challenges the club has faced in defending its reputation and upholding its values.

The Future of Russian Football

When discussing the future of Russian football, Babaev expressed doubts about the possibility of multiple clubs operating with a surplus. He cited the soaring transfer fees and the inflated prices demanded by foreign clubs when Russian players are involved in negotiations. He also noted that only a few clubs, including CSKA and Spartak Moscow, have the financial means to compete at the highest level. Babaev believes that financial competition among clubs can ultimately benefit Russian football as a whole.

Overall, Babaev's biography highlights his role as the director of CSKA and his commitment to maintaining the club's financial stability while prioritizing sporting success. He also addresses the challenges and opportunities facing Russian football in terms of financial fair play and competition with other clubs.