Karpen Comments on Fakels Relegation as the Seasons Biggest Disappointment

The head coach of the Russian national team, **Valery Karpin**, reacted to FC Fakel’s relegation from the Russian Premier League at the end of the 2024/2025 season, describing it as the biggest disappointment of the football year.

**»What was the disappointment of the season?»**
**»I’m not quite sure. For me, it’s the relegation of Fakel. It’s a region where people love and attend football games. The situation with Khimki, I suppose, isn’t as disappointing,»** Karpin’s words were relayed by Championship correspondent Ilya Nikulnikov.

Fakel finished the season at the bottom of the RPL standings and was relegated to the Melbet First League. The team from Voronezh earned 18 points over the course of 30 matches. Meanwhile, the suburban side Khimki ended the season in 12th place in the overall standings but failed to obtain a license for the next season.