The Russian Football Union is considering permanently leaving European football due to a UEFA ban linked to the Ukraine conflict. The ban prevents Russian clubs and national teams from competition, leading to plans to potentially join the Asian Football Confederation instead. The transition would require approval from Asian federations and would mean Russian teams would no longer participate in European championships.
The Russian Football Union (RFS) is contemplating a permanent exit from European football following UEFA’s ban. This ban, enacted by FIFA and UEFA, prohibits Russian clubs and national teams from participating in competitions due to the country’s military actions in Ukraine under President Vladimir Putin. As a result, Russia’s World Cup qualifier spot has been rescinded, denying the team the opportunity to compete in playoffs, and Spartak Moscow has also been disqualified from the Europa League, losing their match against RB Leipzig.
In light of these developments, Russian journalist Nobel Arustamyan reports that the RFS is exploring the possibility of switching from UEFA to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). This shift would not only exclude Russian teams from European tournaments, such as the Champions League but would also mean they would contend in the Asian Champions Cup. This proposed change could alleviate some of the tensions around Russian football.
Such a transition would require approval from other Asian federations and is reminiscent of historical switches by other nations. Israel moved to UEFA from the Asian federation in 1991 after being expelled, while Kazakhstan joined UEFA after departing the AFC. Australia similarly transitioned from the Oceania Federation to the AFC in 2005.
Andrei Kanchelskis, a prominent Russian football figure, commented on the potential switch to the AFC, expressing skepticism about its feasibility. He emphasized the need for Russian teams to continue playing, regardless of the geopolitical climate. Kanchelskis noted, “If Russia has a real option with an Asian football confederation, then why not?” demonstrating an openness to this prospective path.
Original Source: www.mirror.co.uk
