The Russian Football Union (RFS) has officially announced its licensing decisions for the upcoming 2026/2027 season, delivering a significant blow to two clubs from the First Division. The governing body has denied the top-tier license required for participation in the Mir Russian Premier League to Spartak Kostroma and Chelyabinsk.
The primary reason cited for the refusal is the failure to meet mandatory infrastructure criteria established by both the RFS and the RPL. Specifically, both clubs lack a stadium that holds either the highest or first category classification, a fundamental requirement for hosting matches at the premier league level.
Spartak Kostroma, currently positioned sixth in the First Division standings, has accumulated 48 points from 32 matches this season. Despite their competitive performance on the pitch, the club's home ground does not satisfy the necessary stadium standards for promotion.
Similarly, Chelyabinsk, which sits in ninth place with 43 points, faces the same infrastructural hurdle. The club's inability to secure a compliant venue has effectively blocked their path to the top flight for the next campaign.
This decision underscores the RFS's strict enforcement of licensing requirements, which extend beyond sporting merit to include facilities and organizational standards. The ruling ensures that any club aspiring to the Premier League must first invest in meeting these baseline infrastructure obligations.
The announcement was made through the official RFS channels, confirming the final licensing outcomes. The affected clubs will now need to continue their campaigns in the First Division while addressing the stadium deficiencies that led to the license denial.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.