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Prime Minister Vladimir Putin meets with Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin and General Director of Russian Technologies Sergei Chemezov

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Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:

Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon. I invited you to discuss the future of one of the oldest Russian football clubs, Krylia Sovetov, which is based in Samara. At present the Krylia Sovetov club is in a difficult financial situation, though it is one of the oldest in Russia and has never been eliminated from the Russian Premier League since its establishment. It has many traditions and fans, that's why despite the current difficulties, and there are quite a lot of them, we should take necessary measures to support the club. And the club's fans as well.

I understand the club's problems are connected with growing costs and consequently the greater burden for the Russian Technologies State Corporation, the more so that it has similar heavy burdens in other areas of its activities. At the same time a considerable number of large companies in Samara and the Samara Region are doing quite well, despite the global economic downturn. I asked you, Mr Sechin, to make a list of companies that are able to support the club and pull together potential sponsors and shareholders. What have you got?

Igor Sechin: Working on your instruction, we have compiled such a list, and I would like to present it to you. If you agree with it, we will draw up the relevant documents.

We talked to Russian Football Union management today. There is a lot of work to do to support the Krylia Sovetov football club. It costs from $20 million to $30 million per year to support the club, depending on its plans, transfers, the number of Russian and foreign players and so on. In addition, the club has accumulated debts. So we will take some efforts, after you approve our plan, and try to find solutions coordinated with the Russian Football Union, the Samara Region and the staffs of these companies.

Vladimir Putin: The expenses should be streamlined and more rational, this is obvious. We are tightening up in all areas, not just sports. The club's expenses should be within common sense, but at the same time sufficient to maintain the club's prominent position. It should continue functioning and preserve its players and staff. As for the companies on the list, they should treat this issue as a serious social task. I hope Russian Technologies will keep its commitments to sport teams in other areas.