Football’s first arrival in Russia and the birthday of the country’s richest businessman are celebrated in tonight’s Historama.
Football comes to Russia
On this day in 1897, Russia hosted the first football match in its history.
It took place in St. Petersburg and obviously did not gather crowds of shouting fans as the sport was not popular at all.
One of the rival teams represented the Football Society and consisted mainly of British expats. Another was formed by Russian sports fans, who lost to the more experienced foreigners 6-0.
Times change and now football is the most popular team game in Russia.
Roman Abramovich celebrates birthday
Today one of Russia’s richest businessmen, the billionaire Roman Abramovich celebrates his 46th birthday.
Born in Saratov in 1966, Abramovich is currently the 53rd richest person in the world, according to the 2011 Forbes list.
For seven years he headed Russia’s Far Eastern Chukotka Area, while currently he is the chairman of the local Duma.
Outside Russia Roman Abramovich is better known as the owner ofChelsea Football Club in the UK and a big spender on luxurious yachts.