MOSCOW, June 24 (RIA Novosti) - Russian football's governing body is to attempt to save Siberian Premier League club Tom Tomsk from going out of business.

Tom Tomsk, Europe's most easterly top flight club, are in deep financial trouble after the Tomsk Region cut funding for the side in the wake of the financial crisis. Attempts to find alternative sponsors have yet to bear fruit.

"The basic gist of the situation is that the Tomsk Region is rich in natural resources, but the owners of the companies...are located in Moscow. Tom were sponsored for many years by Tomskneft [oil company], but after a change of owner they have cut ties with the club," Vitaly Mutko, head of the Russian Football Union told Sport Express on Wednesday.

"Right now we are actively carrying out work in order to rectify the situation," Mutko, who is also the Russian minister for sport, went on. "However, you have to understand, in these times nothing is determined by orders from above. Even more so during a financial crisis."

It was earlier reported that the club had not paid its player since the start of the Russian season in March.

Tom Tomsk manager Valery Nepomnyashchi has said that the issue of wage delays was having a negative effect on the players' performances. A recent 2-1 defeat at home to Amkar left the side two places and four points off the relegation zone.

"Everyone understands perfectly well the social importance of the club for the region," Mutko added. "We don't have the right to lose Tom. I remain optimistic, and hope the situation will be resolved to football's benefit."