Zenit, Loko and Spartak all declined to go, that leave sonly CSKA, SD, and DK as the high profle teams.
They don't even draw a million dollar's worth in attendance in the tournament. Gotta make money to keep it going.
I was under the impression that it was Abramovich's pet project, that he was funnelling the money into it to keep it going.
The clubs will still have to spend money for camps, organizing friendlies, etc. That's why the Russian clubs' refusal to play in this tournament befuddles me. No Ukrainian team declined.
I'm with you. I would think clubs like CSKA and Zenit would like to be prepared for the UEFA Cup matches with some relatively meaningful matches.