Russian Football Union's Mutko temporarily steps down

President of the Russian Football Union (RFU) Vitaly Mutko announced his decision to temporarily step down from his post.

RFU Director General Alexander Alayev has been appointed the acting president of Russia’s governing football body.

"I have made a decision and informed the RFU Executive Board about it. One of the union’s regulations state that if a president is unable to fulfil his duties, he should step down," TASS cited Mutko as saying.

"In order for the RFU to proceed with its work I have requested to suspend my duties for the period of up to six months. I am not resigning and my mandate will be still valid," he stressed.

Mutko added that he will definitely return after the period of six months, perhaps earlier.