Russian football chiefs to investigate players' behaviour

The Russian Football Union are to launch an investigation into reports of inappropriate behaviour by the national squad during the World Cup play-offs.

The Russians, coached by former Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink, suffered a shock defeat to Slovenia as their bid to reach next summer’s finals in South Africa came to an end last month.

Following a television report from state-controlled Channel One claiming players had partied into the early hours ahead of the qualification play-off first leg in Moscow, there is to be an inquiry by the Russian football authorities.

A statement on their website, www.rfs.ru, read: “The RFU sent an official letter to the heads of Channel One and the Marriott Grand, asking them to provide explanations about the reliability of the reported information.”