Arsenal powerbroker Alisher Usmanov has come to the rescue of the Russian FA.

Usmanov has given the Russian Football Union (RFS) around £3.5m to pay salary arrears owed to national coach Fabio Capello.

Former England manager Capello took over as Russia boss in July 2012 before his contract was subsequently extended through until after the 2018 World Cup, which Russia will host.

"As a member of the Russia 2018 Local Organising Committee Supervisory Board, Usmanov decided to give financial help to the RFS to the tune of 300 million roubles," Usmanov's press service confirmed.

"Ahead of the 2018 World Cup, the question regarding the head coach is of great importance for the national football team."