The Secretary General of the Russian Football Union (RFU), Maxim Mitrofanov, has strongly criticized Khimki for failing to secure a spot in the upcoming Russian Premier League (RPL) season. According to Mitrofanov, the club’s inability to meet its financial obligations has negatively impacted Russian football as a whole.

Khimki was denied a license to participate in the RPL due to financial violations. The club finished 12th in the previous championship. Player dissatisfaction over unpaid wages also contributed to instability at the end of the season.

The RFU Executive Committee is currently deliberating on a replacement for Khimki in the RPL. Pari NN, which lost to Sochi in the play-off matches, is the preferred option among most First League clubs and the RPL General Meeting.