Russian football officials plan to discuss leaving UEFA for the AFC during a meeting on Friday, following FIFA and UEFA’s suspension of Russia due to the Ukraine war. The RFU is eager to explore AFC membership as a solution to their suspension and aims for a potential competitive return in the future.
Amid ongoing suspension from competitive football due to the conflict in Ukraine, Russian football officials are set to discuss plans to detach from UEFA and possibly join the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). This decision will be deliberated during an upcoming executive committee meeting on Friday, with expectations for a definitive vote regarding the RFU’s future in UEFA.
Since February 2022, FIFA and UEFA imposed comprehensive suspensions on all Russian national and domestic teams, a condition that is unlikely to change as the conflict continues. Reports indicate a growing interest from the Russian Football Union (RFU) to transition to AFC membership as a viable alternative. Executives believe such a shift could facilitate a more favorable comeback to competitions if FIFA re-evaluates the suspension.
During a previous meeting in December, RFU members discussed the implications of this movement away from UEFA. UEFA is reportedly watching these developments closely and anticipates a clear stance from the RFU before taking any action. A precedent has been set by Australia’s shift in 2006 from the Oceania Football Confederation to the AFC, enhancing their competitive opportunities in the Asian region.
Should the RFU’s executive committee vote in favor of resigning, it would mark a historical first for any country to leave UEFA. Roman Teryushkov, a Russian political figure, stressed that maintaining RFU’s relations with UEFA does not align with national interests, especially amid rising geopolitical tensions with Western nations, stating, “It is impossible to build sports friendship with countries unfriendly to us.”
In summary, Russian football leaders are considering severing ties with UEFA to join the AFC in response to their ongoing suspension. The RFU is optimistic that aligning with the AFC could provide a pathway back to international competition, contingent on FIFA’s future decisions. The context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine plays a pivotal role in shaping these decisions.
Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
