Source: Daily_Mail
Russia probe claims stars drank before World Cup play-off exit to Slovenia
The Russian FA are investigating claims that their players indulged in late-night partying on the eve of the World Cup play-off against Slovenia last month.[LNB]Everton midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov scored both goals in a 2-1 win in the first leg in Moscow on November 14. [LNB]Arsenal star Arshavin, Tottenham Hotspur's Roman Pavlyuchenko and Chelsea defender Yuri Zhirkov also played in the match, in which Slovenia's late away goal proved crucial.[LNB] Down and out: Nejc Pecnik (No 7) celebrates scoring for Slovenia in Moscow last month[LNB]Slovenia won the return leg 1-0 in Maribor four days later to deny Russia a place at South Africa 2010 and there have since been numerous allegations of misbehaviour.[LNB]The FA (RFU) have asked the country's respected state broadcaster Channel One to explain the content of a documentary, which alleged team members had drunk, smoked hookah pipes and entertained girls on the eve of the first leg.[LNB]Top 10: Russia captain Andrey Arshavin (left) lines up against Slovenia[LNB]The programme named few players other than CSKA Moscow defenders Alexei and Vasily Berezutsky, who have since said they intend to sue the broadcaster.[LNB]Vasily Berezutsky claimed: 'All professionals perfectly understand that everything that was voiced is a clumsily fabricated lie.'[LNB]Unidentified workers at the Marriott Grand hotel where the team were staying apparently made allegations. [LNB]Russia boss Guus Hiddink warned that any player found to have brokenteam rules would find their international careers endangered.[LNB]'ChannelOne is respected in Russia, it wouldn't repeat unfounded allegationsand rumours,' said Hiddink. 'You must have proof. I repeat you musthave direct proof.[LNB]'Statements saying the players were sitting in a restaurant until five in the morning on the day of the game are quite serious. [LNB] Joy: Slovenia celebrate their victory in Maribor[LNB] 'If I had proof of that, every player involved in it would have been immediately dropped from the national team.[LNB]'We've had some small incidents during my time as Russia coach and I warned the players about the consequences. Since then everything has been fine and I have no proof to doubt it.'[LNB]The RFU revealed it had sent a letter asking for explanations from both Channel One and the Marriott Grand and expect a response before the end of the week.[LNB]Warning: Russia boss Guus Hiddink[LNB]'After receiving an appropriate response we will determine our position regarding the dignity of the players and the RFU,' they added in a statement.[LNB]'We will also meet with the team coaches for them to express their opinion about the alleged incident.'[LNB]Programme-maker Alexey Pimanov defended the documentary, insisting that the allegations were from direct witnesses. He warned that there was more evidence which could be presented in court.[LNB]Parliament members have demanded a thorough investigation. All the players have strongly denied the accusations.[LNB]Arsenal star Arshavin has already denied seperate claims that players were drinking before the Slovenia matches.[LNB]'In the national team, nobody can drink, let alone get drunk before the games,' he said last month. 'If it had happened, that would have been the last day you saw that guy in the team.[LNB]'Frankly speaking, I'm not surprised that there are so many rumours. It is a typical situation for our country.[LNB]'When people asked me about this in England, I called it rubbish. One can't treat such rumours seriously. Are we so mad to kill our own dream?[LNB]'Usually there is something that triggers the rumours - something small and trivial that gets blown out of proportion - but in this case there was nothing at all and could never have been.'[LNB] Former Chelsea boss Hiddink denies he's quitting Russia to lead TurkeyChelsea poised to welcome back Guus Hiddink as Russia coach targets roleDepressed Arshavin loses Arsenal mojo as he hits out at Russia claimsCHARLES SALE: Russian exposes Lord 'Two Jobs' [LNB] Explore more:People:Roman Pavlyuchenko, Yuri Zhirkov, Andrey ArshavinPlaces:Moscow, South Africa, Russia, United Kingdom, Slovenia
