Prosecutor describes defendants’ accounts in footballer Arseniy Eroshevich’s death

Three of the four men convicted over a fatal fight involving footballer Arseniy Eroshevich denied guilt, prosecutor Vladislav Demidenok told RIA Novosti on October 10. Two argued that they had acted in self-defence.

Islam Rustamov said he struck the footballer’s friend Egor Kozlov because of insults and hit Eroshevich once or twice while defending himself, according to Demidenok. Zikrullo Kadirov claimed he was defending himself against Kozlov, who he said had a knife. The prosecutor presented these as the convicted men’s accounts.

Mukhammad Yatimov also denied guilt, saying he had swung his leg but had not struck the footballer. Shukhratjon Rakhimov admitted guilt and expressed remorse, the prosecutor said.

A court in the Moscow region sentenced the four men to between eight and a half and 11 years in prison in early September. The prosecutor’s comments describe their explanations in a case that has already been tried.

The fight took place in the summer of 2025. According to the established account, young men provoked the confrontation when Eroshevich and his friend tried to protect female acquaintances from the attention of two participants.

Law enforcement authorities continue to search for another participant considered one of the instigators. He has been placed on an international wanted list.