Russians accused of pre-playoff drinking

The RFU said it would conduct an internal investigation and also asked for an explanation from state-controlled Channel One television after a programme last week accused some players of drinking and smoking hookah pipes before the November 14 first leg.

Favourites Russia won the first leg 2-1 in Moscow but were eliminated by Slovenia on away goals following a 2-2 aggregate draw after losing the return match in Maribor 1-0.

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