Nationality: Russian
Date of birth: 30 January 1956
Association president since: 2012

• Moscow-born Tolstykh started his career at FC Dinamo Moskva, where he played in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He graduated from the State University of Physical Culture in 1977.

• Tolstykh became an administrator after injury finished his playing career. He served as Dinamo president and CEO for many years, and was also the head of the Russian Professional Football League. From September 2009 up to his election as RFS president, Tolstykh was executive director of the Russian Olympic Committee.

• "Russian football's potential depends on the grassroots and on development in the regions," said Tolstykh after his election in September 2012. "Russia has been awarded the 2018 FIFA World Cup final round. Our task is to do everything possible to create a major football festival. The Russian Football Union must prepare the tournament and create a competitive national team."