President of the Krasnodar football club Sergei Galitsky made a significant contribution to the development of national football and showed an example of effective construction of a private club. This opinion was expressed by the former Moscow coach CSKA and the Russian national team Valeri Gazzaev.

December 29, President of Russia Vladimir Putin awarded Galitsky the Order of Friendship. The head of state noted his merits in the development of physical culture and sports, as well as many years of conscientious work.

“I really appreciate Sergei Galitsky’s contribution to the development of national football. He made a great contribution not only to the history of Krasnodar, but also to Russian football and sport in general. I believe that Sergei Galitsky is an example of how to build a private club. This is the most important thing, because the future of our football, in my opinion, lies in private clubs. Krasnodar has built a modern sports infrastructure, a strong children’s academy and in fact created a model of how a football club should develop, so this is an example for other teams,” Gazzaev said.

“Of course, the award received is deserved. I sincerely congratulate Sergei Nikolaevich, wish him good health, prosperity and further success, new achievements and strength to realize all his planned projects for the benefit of Russian football. He showed what a private football club could and should be. The future of our football lies in private clubs,” he added.

Galitsky is 58 years old. He founded Krasnodar in February 2008. In the 2024/25 season, the club became champions of Russia, winning the first trophy in history. In the current season of the World Cup – Russian Premier League, Krasnodar is in 1st place, gaining 40 points after 18 matches.

President of the Russian Football Federation (RFU) Alexander Diukov in a meeting with the head of the Union of European Football Associations (of UEFA) Alessandro Ceferino in January he wants to discuss his arrival in Russia.

In November 2024, Dyukov announced that he intended to invite Cheferin to the Russian national team match in 2025.

“We will also talk to Alexander Čeferin about his arrival in Russia. A football event is planned in January where we will also have the opportunity to communicate on this topic,” Dyukov said.

In February 2022 of UEFA and the International Football Federation suspended Russian clubs and national teams from participating in international tournaments due to the situation in Ukraine.