Abramovich's deputy tipped to replace Russian chief Mutko

By Gennady Fyodorov

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's right-hand man Sergei Kapkov has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Russian football chief Vitaly Mutko, officials said.

Sports Minister Mutko announced on Tuesday he would step down next week as president of the soccer federation (RFU).

He was forced to resign after Russia President Dmitry Medvedev decided last month that all government officials in charge of national sports bodies should be replaced by professional personnel.

A member of parliament since 2003, Kapkov heads the Abramovich-sponsored National Academy Fund (NAF) which supplies most of the RFU's money.

"Sergei has significant support within political and business circles as well as among the soccer community," NAF vice-president Alexander Edelstein told Reuters.

"Since its inception in 2004, NAF has spent well over $200 million (119 million pounds) on various soccer projects such as building pitches and running youth academies in many parts of the country."

Earlier this month Kapkov was quoted as telling Russian media: "I plan to run for president of the RFU."

Kapkov was elected RFU vice-president in April 2006 at the age of 30.