The Russian Football Union wants to return to Uefa competitions instead of switching to the Asian Football Confederation, following its recent ban by Uefa due to the Ukraine conflict. RFU president Alexander Dyukov emphasized the importance of participating in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and proposed consultations with Uefa. Meanwhile, financial implications and match statuses in Asian leagues are concerns expressed by Russian football officials.
The Russian Football Union (RFU) has expressed a desire for its teams to rejoin international competition despite considering leaving Uefa. This decision follows Uefa’s ban on Russian teams due to the country’s military actions in Ukraine. RFU president Alexander Dyukov confirmed that they aim to participate in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers while discussing the revival of ties with Uefa.
During a recent executive committee meeting, the RFU voted against immediately switching to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), stating their potential focus on returning to Uefa. Dyukov acknowledged ongoing consultations with Uefa to facilitate a return, while keeping the option to join AFC open for the future.
As a result of the incurred bans from Uefa and Fifa, Russia has been denied access to key tournaments, including the Euro 2024 qualifiers and the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar. The exclusion from these events has raised concerns about Russia’s competitive status and financial implications for clubs previously engaged in European competitions.
CSKA Moscow president Yevgeny Giner highlighted the significant financial differences and lower status of matches in the Asian leagues. He advised against an immediate switch, suggesting it would require beginning anew, potentially leading to a gradual return to prominent European football. The Court of Arbitration for Sport has consistently rejected Russia’s appeals against these sanctions.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
