A TOP Russian soccer official has accused the political establishment of interfering in forthcoming elections to replace the country’s long-serving football chief Vyacheslav Koloskov.

Ryan Giggs is almost certain to be available for Wales in their Euro 2004 play-off second leg match against Russia, with UEFA still waiting for the tape which allegedly shows him elbowing full-back Vadim Evseev.

UEFA have not ruled out the prospect of Ryan Giggs being banned for the second leg of Wales’ Euro 2004 play-off with Russia – but it appears unlikely because of the timescale involved.

SPARTAK Moscow trainer Georgy Yartsev has been appointed coach of Russia’s struggling national team, the country’s soccer chief said yesterday.