The Russian Football Union has decided to stay with UEFA to pursue international competition participation. They aim for a return in time for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, rejecting moves to join the Asian Football Confederation. Current bans from UEFA and FIFA hinder Russian football, with possible financial challenges looming if a future switch is considered.
The Russian Football Union (RFU) has opted to remain part of UEFA, aiming for a return to international competitions despite ongoing bans due to political tensions. On Friday, the RFU’s executive committee decided not to pursue membership with Asia’s football confederation, emphasizing their goal to participate in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. RFU President Alexander Dyukov indicated efforts would be made to reestablish relations with UEFA.
Proposals to form a consultation group with UEFA are on the table to discuss potential ties. While the possibility of joining the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) remains open for the future, prioritizing UEFA seems paramount. The absence of Russian teams from the Euro 2024 qualification draw highlights the severity of current restrictions.
Additionally, FIFA has also banned Russia from international competitions, leading them to miss the 2022 World Cup. The Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport has dismissed all Russian appeals related to these bans. Transitioning to the AFC could present financial difficulties and diminish the status of international matches as indicated by CSKA Moscow’s president, Yevgeny Giner. He warned that financial implications would be significant, necessitating a restart from a lower competitive level.
Original Source: www.themoscowtimes.com
