The Central Asian Football Federation CAFA is exploring the possibility of inviting Russia’s youth and women’s teams to participate in regional tournaments under its governance. This development was noted by Sport Express through the federation’s press service, signaling a potential shift in cross regional competition.
Officials explained that RFU officials have declined to participate, and the federation acknowledged the decision with understanding. The calendar for CAFA events consistently includes multiple youth tournaments featuring national teams. There is an expectation that Russian teams may still receive invitations to upcoming competitions, possibly in women’s tournaments or other youth events. At present, no firm commitments have been announced, and the situation remains open to change as planning continues.
The CAFA championship is scheduled to take place in June 2023, with teams from Tajikistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan set to compete. The event represents a notable regional gathering that emphasizes development and cross border sporting ties among member nations. This edition follows a broader context in which CAFA has sought to broaden its tournament calendar and strengthen competitive opportunities for young players and emerging women’s squads across the region.
Looking back to March 2022, there was a significant pause in participation by Russian clubs and the national team in tournaments under the banners of European football bodies. The suspension affected opportunities across UEFA and FIFA organized events, shaping how Russian teams engage with international competition and, by extension, how CAFA and its member associations plan their own calendars in response to ongoing geopolitical and sporting dynamics.
During March, results included a 1 to 1 draw between the Russian team and Iran in Tehran, followed by a 2 to 0 victory for Valery Karpin’s St. Petersburg side over the Iraqi national team. These results are cited to illustrate recent competitive activity connected to the broader football landscape and to provide context for how national teams respond to varied scheduling and regional opportunities. Observers noted that the momentum in international friendlies and regional matchups can influence future invitations and the strategic priorities of national federations as they weigh participation in non traditional venues and competitions.
Vladimir Rykov, a former Dynamo and Ural player, offered his perspective on the RFU decision to decline participation in the CAFA tournament. His reflections addressed the implications for Russia’s presence in regional football and highlighted the ongoing discussion about how best to balance interests within a shifting international framework. The dialogue around CAFA’s invitation process underscores the federation’s role in fostering dialogue among neighboring associations and exploring avenues for youth and women’s football development within the region.