The Football Union of Russia officially announced the appointment of Leonid Slutskiy as the National Team of Russia Head Coach. The contract with the Russian specialist was signed till the end of the EURO 2016 qualifying cycle and at this stage allows working simultaneously both as the National Team of Russia and PFC CSKA Head Coach. The decision is supported by the Sports Ministry of the Russian Federation. We are grateful to the PFC CSKA Administration, which made their contribution into the interests of the National Football Team of Russia.

Vitaly Mutko, the Russian Federation Sports Minister:

- We often said that a Russian coach should be working with the National Team at this stage. Taking into consideration successful and effective work of Leonid Slutskiy in CSKA I think that he is exactly the specialist who will be able to fulfill the task of qualification to EURO 2016. This decision is agreed upon with all stakeholders and is optimal, in my opinion. From my side I would like to thank PFC CSKA for constructive cooperation and mutual understanding in solving this matter and I wish to Leonid a lot of success in his work with National Team of Russia!

Nikita Simonyan, FUR 1st Vice President:

- It is a big honour and great responsibility to be the Head Coach of the National Team of the country. For a football coach  - this is, as a rule, the top of his professional career. I am very happy that after 9 years interval, a Russian specialist became the National Team Head Coach. He deserved this right by his successful work in one of the best Russian football clubs National Team of Russia has decisive matches of EURO 2016 in France qualification waiting ahead. I wish to Leonid Slutskiy, his staff and players to bring joy to many supporters with their spectacular game, which will bring the result and help to achieve the aim!