Reuters reports that Mutko announced yesterday his intention to step down next week as RFU president, following a decree by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev that government officials in charge of national sports governing bodies should be replaced by professionals.
Kapkov currently heads the National Academy Fund, which is funded by Abramovich and supplies most of the RFU’s money. Kapkov is also a member of the Russian parliament since 2003.
Russian national team coach Guus Hiddink said he supported Kapkov’s bid for the presidency of the RFU, saying that Kapkov’s appointment would increase the chances of him staying on as Russia’s coach.
