Tech
Jun 18, 2026 Major2
83%
FC Rostov posts fake transfer news about Suleymanov to PSG, then deletes it
FC Rostov's social media team posted a fake transfer announcement about forward Timur Suleymanov moving to Paris Saint-Germain and then deleted it, revealing the post was a prank inspired by defender Viktor Melekhin's recent interview where he jokingly selected Suleymanov for a hypothetical all-Russian PSG lineup.
Quick Facts
Who
FC Rostov
What
Posted fake transfer announcement on Telegram
When
June 18, 2026
Where
Rostov
- Posted fake transfer announcement on Telegram
- Deleted the transfer post
- Revealed the announcement was a social media prank
- Viktor Melekhin gave an interview about assembling a hypothetical all-Russian PSG team
- Suleymanov extended his contract with Rostov
FC Rostov briefly announced the transfer of forward Timur Suleymanov to Paris Saint-Germain via its official Telegram channel, only to delete the post shortly afterward. The announcement initially surprised club supporters, but the club later clarified that the information was false and had been part of a deliberate joke orchestrated by Rostov's social media team.
The prank was inspired by a recent interview with Rostov defender Viktor Melekhin, in which he was asked to assemble a hypothetical PSG lineup composed entirely of Russian players. Without hesitation, Melekhin selected his Rostov teammate Suleymanov for the forward position, praising his defensive work rate. "Timur Suleymanov," Melekhin said in the interview. "We're just fantasizing. Let it be our brother from Rostov. As far as I know, PSG's head coach likes when all forwards defend like crazy. And Timur Suleymanov does this very well."
Suleymanov, 26, joined Rostov in summer 2025 from Moscow's Lokomotiv and extended his contract with the Don region club for four additional years in May 2026. During the 2025/26 season, he made 33 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing one assist. According to Transfermarkt, his market value is estimated at 1.5 million euros. Melekhin also suggested that Rostov could serve as a springboard for some players seeking moves to top European clubs in the future.
Topics
Why This Matters
This incident highlights how social media pranks by sports clubs can blur the line between entertainment and misinformation. For football fans and transfer market observers, it underscores the importance of verifying major transfer announcements through official club channels and established sports news outlets before treating them as fact. The prank also reveals how player interviews and offhand comments can inspire club-level social media content, demonstrating the interconnected nature of modern sports communication.
Timeline & Sources
Jul 1, 2025
WireTimur Suleymanov transferred from Lokomotiv Moscow to FC Rostov
May 1, 2026
WireSuleymanov extended his contract with Rostov for four additional years
Jun 18, 2026
WireViktor Melekhin gave interview about hypothetical all-Russian PSG lineup, selecting Suleymanov
Jun 18, 2026
WireRostov deleted the transfer post and revealed it was a social media prank
Jun 18, 2026
WireFC Rostov posted fake transfer announcement about Suleymanov to PSG on Telegram