Sytchev shocks Spartak

Dmitri Sytchev's future at FC Spartak Moskva looks in serious doubt after the striker moved to cancel his contract with the Russian champions.

Big impact
Sytchev, who officially notified the club of his decision to leave today, has made a huge impact since joining Spartak in January from FC Spartak Tambov. The 18-year-old has hit nine goals in domestic action and scored one and made the other three of Russia's four goals at the FIFA World Cup finals.

Coach in hospital
To make matters worse for Spartak, coach Oleg Romantsev was admitted to hospital today, where he will remain for the rest of the week. The 48-year-old had been involved in the negotiations with Sytchev and his advisers.

Keen to go
"Sytchev said he is leaving and he is not set to change his mind", Spartak spokesman Aleksei Zinin confirmed, adding that he would not play for the club again. "Spartak is not going to hold on to a player who behaved so disrespectfully towards the team The administration of the club is shocked by the news. All the negotiations have failed.

Above board
"Dmitri has several agents behind him, and he probably realised he could play elsewhere", Zinin added. The spokesman said Spartak had not been mistreating the player, and were acting in accordance with the four-year deal he signed. "Spartak is a civilised club," he said. The Moscow club have already said they will seek a domestic and international ban for the player if he tries to move to another team.

Champions League place
The club's success in the Russian Premier-Liga last season has earned them automatic qualification for this year's UEFA Champions League. The capital club are one of 16 teams already through to the first group stage.