Mutko elected in Russia

Vitaly Mutko has been elected as president of the Russian Football Union (RFS) at an extraordinary conference of the association held in Moscow. He takes the helm of Russian football for the second time, having previously held the position between 2005 and 2009.

Mutko was elected unopposed and will serve a one-year term. After this, the presidential term will revert to four years. "Today is a very momentous day for me. It's the second time I stand before the RFS conference delegates as a presidential candidate," said the 56-year-old, who emphasised that he was looking forward to taking up the challenge.

Vitaly Mutko graduated in 1987 from the Leningrad Institute of Waterway Communications with a degree in marine engineering and machinery. Twelve years later, he graduated from Saint Petersburg State University with a degree in legal affairs. Mutko also has a PhD in economics. He was appointed Russia's minister of sports in 2008.

He previously worked as president of Zenit (1997–2003) and was the Russian Premier League’s president from 2001 to 2003. Mutko is currently also a European member of the FIFA Executive Committee.