Former Manchester United winger Andrei Kanchelskis does not expect Russia to return to the international stage in 2024. He shared his view with Sports24, offering a frank assessment of the current landscape.
He acknowledged that anything could happen in the year ahead, yet he remains skeptical about Russia reclaiming a European foothold soon. The sentiment he expressed was blunt: it would be foolish to expect a quick return. At the moment, he believes no force can compel a swift comeback, and he sees little chance for meaningful change this year. His focus instead is on locating opponents who can pose genuine challenges for Russian teams and players.
Historically, the suspension of the Russian national team and all Russian clubs from FIFA and UEFA competitions began in the spring of 2022. That decision removed Russia from participation in all official tournaments governed by those bodies, relegating club and national team activities to friendlies against foreign opponents for the foreseeable future.
In reflecting on the broader implications, Kanchelskis noted a readiness to adapt to new circumstances, including the possibility of relocating to Russia if circumstances ever shifted in that direction. The statements illustrate a player’s perspective on how sanctions and geopolitical factors intersect with sport, shaping decisions about where and how friendly matches and development opportunities might be pursued in the coming years.