Spartak Moscow appoints Yakin as manager

MOSCOW (AP) — Nine-time Russian football champion Spartak Moscow has appointed Murat Yakin as manager as it tries to recover from a poor season.

Spartak ended last season in sixth place, its worst result since 2008, in a campaign that saw club great Valery Karpin fired as coach.

In Yakin, Spartak appoints its fifth foreign coach in the last 10 years, and one with a record of success.

The former Switzerland international took Basel to the Swiss title in the last two seasons, and achieved two Champions League wins over Chelsea.

Spartak was given a place in next season's Europa League when Russian Cup winner FC Rostov fell foul of licensing regulations, but Rostov is appealing that decision.