The Football Union of Russia would like to announce about a new appointment in its Refereeing and Referee Observers Department.  Alexey Nikolaev made a decision to focus on his refereeing career and leave the position of the deputy head of FUR refereeing and referee observers department.  In his turn, Alexander Egorov replaced him at this post. Egorov used to be the Russian Premier League referee - including the season 2016/17.

Alexey Nikolaev:

- It is obvious to me now that it is very difficult to combine the job of a referee and one of the officials of FUR Refereeing and Referee Observers Department. In my case it was a unique appointment I don't know any others.  I made a decision that currently I would like to continue my refereeing career that is why I'm leaving the post of the deputy head of FUR refereeing and referee observers department. I would like to thank all those with whom we worked in the department; it was a very interesting and useful experience for me.

Alexander Egorov:

- It didn't take me long to make a decision after I got the proposal from FUR to join the Refereeing and Referee Observers Department. I discussed it with my family and thought that it would be a mistake not to accept such a proposal. I realize that now I will have to call time on the refereeing career though I am in a perfect physical condition as I covered a huge workload within the preparation to the upcoming season. I think that it is very important to quit in time.  I am sure that it will help to discover new talented referees. At the same time I am eager to start a new job. 

Andrey Budogosskiy, head of FUR Refereeing and Referee Observers Department:

- I was excited to learn that Alexander Egorov will join FUR Refereeing and Referee Observers Department as the deputy head.  He is а highly professional referee who, I am sure, will be of great use to our common task in his new role.