The Moscow region’s football club “Khimki” has suspended its operations. The club’s press secretary, Evgeny Dzichkovsky, confirmed the information, adding uncertainty to the club’s future after they were denied a license to participate in the upcoming Russian championship.

The duration of the suspension remains undisclosed, with Dzichkovsky refraining from providing specific details and stating that the club is awaiting resolution of the situation. Match TV had previously reported that the suspension could last until August 30, 2025.

“Khimki” finished 12th in the past season of the Russian championship. The club’s appeal to the Russian Football Union (RFU) was rejected, preventing their participation in the next season’s Russian Premier League. The club expressed regret that “non-football criteria” outweighed their right to remain in the league.

Adding to their troubles, “Khimki” was also forced to disband its second team, “Khimki-2,” rendering their participation in the Leon-Second League B impossible due to the current circumstances.

The club had invested heavily in new players before the start of the season, including Georgy Dzhikia, Anton Zabolotny, Alex Corredera, and Lucas Vera. However, the club faced financial difficulties, including debts and salary arrears to players.

In December, the club’s main investor, Tufan Sadygov, was accused of fraud, further destabilizing the situation. Head coach Frank Artiga was fired in mid-April, reportedly triggering a player strike over unpaid wages. The RPL president, Alexander Alaev, intervened to address the debt situation, and external management was introduced at the club.

Despite the challenges, “Khimki” managed to complete the season. RPL President Alexander Alaev stated that the league had transferred funds to “Khimki” to settle salary arrears, but players are already departing the club.

“Khimki” has reached the final of the Russian Cup twice and achieved its best result in the Russian championship, finishing eighth in the 2020-2021 season.