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Russian Rugby League in crisis
Monday, January 24, 2005

RUSSIAN Rugby League has officially lost its major backer - which sources say could spell disaster for the sport in that country.

'Rugby Leaguer & League Express' exclusively revealed a fortnight ago that an internal row between the Dinamo and Lokomotiv clubs in Moscow had led to the exit of national coach Bob Bailey.

Now Russian Rugby League president Akhmet Kamaldinov, also the backer of the Dinamo club, has resigned, a move which will almost certainly mean Kamaldinov will withdraw his funding from the RRL.

Kamaldinov provided money for each of the nine Russian clubs, some development work, referees’ kit and equipment, and funded major international events. It is unclear whether anyone will replace him.

RRL chief executive Vladimir Dolgin has also quit.

A Russian source said: “This is a disaster for the Russian Rugby League, who will need to find another benefactor very soon if Rugby League is to survive in Russia.

Source: TotalRugbyLeague.com - Russian Rugby League in Crisis