Roman Shirokov, former captain of the Russian national football team, said he was undecided about the Union of European Football Associations’ (UEFA) proposal to allow Russian men’s and women’s under-17 national teams to participate in international tournaments without national symbols. He shared his opinion with him “Match TV”.
“I have a double impression: on the one hand, they let us, on the other hand, they refuse to play with us, but this is not so bad. On the one hand, I understand the players and that they should play, but on the other hand, I cannot imagine playing without the flag and the anthem. I do not have a clear idea about this” said the former football player.
On September 26, the UEFA executive board allowed Russian youth teams under the age of 17 to participate in international tournaments. However, they will take to the field without a flag or anthem. Matches will be played abroad.
On September 27, England, Ukraine, Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Latvia and Lithuania announced that they refused to play against Russian teams.
In the spring of 2022, the International Football Federation (FIFA) and UEFA decided to suspend the participation of the Russian national team, as well as all Russian clubs, in all competitions controlled by these organizations.
Previously former Spartak player statedUEFA wants Russia to return.