Football club “Torpedo” has been excluded from the Russian Premier League. This decision was made by the Russian Football Union. The official reason given is “attempting to organize fixed matches.”
In addition, Torpedo was fined 5 million rubles. Referee Bogdan Golovko, who is accused of improper officiating in favor of the team, has been detained and could face up to seven years in prison. Golovko worked on matches in the First League and other lower divisions.
Previously, Torpedo had earned direct promotion to the Russian Premier League by securing second place in the First League. However, a month later, a criminal case concerning an attempted referee bribe was initiated against the club`s owner, Leonid Sobolev, and director, Valery Skorodumov.
According to the investigation, Golovko deliberately did not award a penalty against Torpedo in the crucial match against KAMAZ on May 24.
This case is unprecedented in Russian football, and the potential maximum sentence of seven years also raises questions.
The Russian Football Union`s statement does not clarify Torpedo`s future fate. It is likely the club will remain in the First League for at least another season, which is scheduled to begin next week.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth