Valery Skorodumov, former CEO of Torpedo Moscow FC, received a two-year prison sentence from the Simonovsky District Court in Moscow on 13/7. The verdict came in a high-profile referee bribery case.

Skorodumov also faces a three-year ban from holding leadership positions in football. His lawyer indicated plans to appeal the decision, stating, "But we will appeal". The lawyer also noted that Skorodumov could seek conditional release once the sentence becomes effective.

Skorodumov pleaded guilty to seven counts of interfering with the results of an official sports competition, leading to an expedited trial.

Club records reveal that Torpedo Moscow's leadership paid football referees between 1 million and 3 million rubles (approximately 340 million to 1,1 billion Vietnamese dong) to ensure favorable results in 20 matches within the Russian National Football League.

Referees also received payments ranging from 250,000 to 500,000 rubles for specific actions, such as awarding penalties or sending off opposing players.

Torpedo Moscow FC CEO, Valery Skorodumov. *Photo: Kommersant*

The club's actions had severe repercussions. In the 2024/2025 season, Torpedo had finished in second place and earned direct promotion to the RPL, Russia's top league. However, on 10/7/2025, Torpedo was expelled from the 2025/2026 RPL season and incurred a 5 million ruble fine.

The next day, the Executive Committee of the Russian Football Union decided to relegate Torpedo to the second division of the Russian Premier League. The club had finished that season in ninth place.

In connection with the scandal, former Torpedo club president Leonid Sobolev also faces charges of referee bribery. Sobolev has also pleaded guilty, with his case proceeding separately.

Torpedo Moscow FC, founded in 1924, is known for dedicating the number 1 jersey to honor its fans. During the Soviet era, the club regularly competed in the First Division and secured the Soviet Cup six times: 1949, 1952, 1960, 1968, 1972, and 1986. In modern Russian football history, the club won the Russian Cup in 1993. Since August 2024, businessman Leonid Sobolev has owned the club.

The investigation continues, with searches conducted at the club's office on 18/7/2025. Numerous referee bribery cases were initiated, leading to the arrest and detention of several shareholders.

By Hai Thu (According to Kommersant)