According to the decision of the Russian Football Union and Russian Premier Liga, matchday 23 of the RPL - the first after the restart next week - will be one of gratitude to doctors and medical workers who are fighting the spread of the coronavirus infection.

RPL clubs will invite doctors, medical professionals and volunteers to their matches, as well as hold other events in support of them.

Russian Football Union President Aleksandr Dyukov:

"The fans have been waiting for big football for three months. The restart of the RPL was a signal that we are returning to normal life. Thanks to the heroic work of doctors, medical workers and volunteers, who made it possible. We are very happy that the clubs took the initiative and decided to thank them for their selfless work."

Russian Premier Liga President Sergey Pryadkin:

"Dedicating the matchday to doctors who are fighting coronavirus is a correct and very important initiative. Thanks to their professional and dedicated work that we are now gradually returning to our usual life.

At the height of the epidemic, many people, business representatives, and organizations joined together and provided targeted assistance to medical institutions. Some bought the machinery, and others personal protective equipment. 

Together with the Liga Stavok, we delivered lunches and dinners to the hospital in Kommunarka and to the Maxillofacial hospital. In response, we received sincere words of gratitude from the chief doctors of these hospitals – Denis Protsenko and Viktor Belchenko.

Now we want to say thank you to all health workers. Doctors, nurses, and emergency workers are real heroes who saved many lives at the risk of their own. All clubs are happy to join the campaign and dedicate matchday 23 to medical professionals."

The RPL was suspended in mid-March due to the spread of coronavirus. At the end of May, the RFU Executive Committee, taking into account the changed epidemiological situation, decided to resume the season from 19 June.

RPL matches can be attended by fans, but no more than 10% of the total capacity of the stadium. The first match after the restart will be Krylia Sovetov vs Akhmat Grozny.