Leonid Sobolev, owner, and Valery Skorodumov, CEO, of the Moscow football club “Torpedo,” have been detained in connection with a bribery case involving a judge. The club has confirmed the searches of its owner and CEO, which are linked to alleged attempts to bribe a judge to secure favorable decisions for the team.

The detentions have prompted investigations by both the Russian Football Union (RFU) and the Russian Premier League (RPL), raising concerns about potential sanctions for the club. Alexander Alaev, head of the RPL, has not ruled out the possibility of Torpedo being deprived of its place in the elite division if the investigation reveals serious violations. The RFU has already instructed its game protection department to investigate the matter and forward the materials to the control and disciplinary committee.

Torpedo Moscow, founded in 1924, has a rich history, including three USSR championships and six USSR Cup wins. The club has faced varying degrees of success in recent years, fluctuating between the top divisions of Russian football. The current scandal could jeopardize their hard-earned spot in the Russian Championship for the 2025/2026 season.

Sports lawyer Anton Smirnov explained that Sobolev and Skorodumov are likely to be charged within 48 hours, after which a preventive measure, such as house arrest or pre-trial detention, will be chosen. While initial reports suggested potential bribery charges carrying a maximum sentence of 15 years, the investigation is currently focused on unlawful influence on the outcome of a match, which carries a sentence of up to 7 years.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, representatives of FC Torpedo Moscow have stated that the club is cooperating with law enforcement and that current operations are continuing as normal. They have also appealed to fans to remain calm and supportive. While the possibility of the club being closed altogether is unlikely, past cases suggest that sanctions such as relegation to a lower division or suspension of individuals from football-related activities are possible.