The Russian Football Union is contemplating leaving European football permanently due to UEFA’s ban linked to geopolitical tensions. Reports suggest a potential switch to the Asian Football Confederation for future competitions. This change would affect Russian teams’ participation in major tournaments but could provide opportunities in the Asian league scene. Former players and officials express diverse opinions on the feasibility and implications of such a transition.
The Russian Football Union (RFS) is currently contemplating a permanent exit from European football due to a UEFA ban imposed on them. Following Russia’s military actions in Ukraine under President Vladimir Putin, both FIFA and UEFA have barred Russian clubs and national teams from competing. This led to Russia being expelled from the World Cup qualification and also eliminated Spartak Moscow from the Europa League.
Reports by Russian journalist Nobel Arustamyan indicate that the RFS is considering switching from UEFA to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Such a transition would allow Russian teams to participate in Asian competitions, including the Asian Champions Cup, instead of the UEFA Champions League or European Championships.
This shift would occur once UEFA’s current ban is lifted, with FIFA discussing potential long-term sanctions against the RFS during an upcoming congress in Doha, Qatar. Ratification from other Asian federations would be required, making this a potentially complicated process, akin to historical transitions seen with Israel and Kazakhstan.
Andrei Kanchelskis, a renowned former Russian footballer, commented on this situation, stating, “I don’t even know if this can be done… If Russia has a real option with an Asian football confederation, then why not?” Kanchelskis expressed a hopeful outlook for the future involvement of Russian teams in international play, regardless of the circumstances.
The RFS is exploring the possibility of permanently leaving European football in response to ongoing sanctions from UEFA and FIFA. By considering a move to the AFC, Russian teams could potentially re-enter competition at an international level, though this would require complicated approval processes. Historical precedents show such transitions can occur, reflecting ongoing discussions about the future of Russian football in a broader geopolitical context.
Original Source: www.mirror.co.uk
