Former Manchester United midfielder Andrei Kanchelskis weighed in on the potential shift of the Russian Football Union (RFU) from UEFA to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). He suggested that the RFU should remain aligned with UEFA and expressed appreciation for UEFA’s stance, noting there is no need for a contentious fight with European football’s governing bodies. According to his view, if Europe were to expel Russia from its circle, other discussions would follow, but for now, the prudent path is to stay within UEFA’s orbit while monitoring developments carefully.

There were initial reports that a formal decision would be announced on December 27, but the agenda was put on hold. The RFU was set to convene again on December 30 via video conference, with a deadline looming at the end of the year to determine whether a switch from UEFA to AFC would be pursued. This timeline reflected the RFU’s desire to clarify its international affiliations before the close of 2022, as discussed in surrounding media coverage and during the executive discussions at the time.

Media outlets noted that the RFU had contemplated notifying UEFA of its intention to end membership in the European confederation. There was speculation that the RFU’s executive committee would approve such a move at the following session and that a formal letter might be dispatched to UEFA before the year ended. This sequence of events underscored the RFU’s willingness to reassess its continental alignment in light of broader geopolitical and sporting considerations that were shaping European football governance during that period, as reported by multiple outlets following the executive proceedings.

Separately, Massimo Carrera, who previously coached Spartak, commented on the RFU’s decision to form a working group with UEFA. Carrera highlighted that forming such a joint task force could help map out a structured path for ongoing collaboration, even as talks about potential realignment continued to unfold. The communications from the RFU during these discussions illustrated a focus on practical steps, dialogue with UEFA, and a measured approach to any potential transition, according to observers and analysts who followed the developments closely.