Anzhi Makhachkala, where former LaLiga greats Samuel Eto'o or Roberto Carlos played earlier in the decade, have submitted a formal request not to play home matches on Fridays any more.

The most prominent club in the Republic of Dagestan, a largely Muslim region, claim a sustained dip in attendance is a sufficiently reasonable argument to stop playing on Fridays."I see no problem in accepting Anzhi's petition," said Vitali Murko, president of the Russian Football Union. "Russia is a large and multi-ethnic country."

Terek Grozny, the main club in the neighbouring Republic of Chechnya, where the majority of the population is Muslim as well, have declined to submit a similar request, although they have publicly supported Anzhi's initiative.

The RFU will reportedly consider getting rid of Friday matches altogether.Anzhi's best season dates back to 2012/13, when they finished third in the Russian Premier League.Club owner, oligarch Suleiman Kerimov, built a brand-new stadium called Anzhi Arena, which seats up to 28,000 people.