Massimo Carrera, the former coach of Spartak Moscow, shared his reaction to UEFA’s decision to bar Russian clubs and the national team from international competitions in the upcoming season. His remarks were reported by Sport Express, reflecting a mix of disappointment and hope for a swift return to the European stage.
“I am deeply sorry for what has happened. Russian teams did not deserve to be singled out in this way. I look forward to Spartak resuming its participation in European affairs. It is important that sports remain separate from politics, and I hope the measures against Russian football will end soon,” Carrera stated.
To recap the governing body’s stance, UEFA’s ruling for the 2022/2023 season prohibits Russian clubs from taking part in European tournaments, and the Russian national team is barred from the Nations League. As a result, the national team was assigned to a lower position within Group B and faced relegation implications, ultimately ending in a last-place position within Group C and 16th place overall.
Earlier in the year, FIFA and UEFA jointly announced the suspension of all Russian clubs and the national team from competitions administered by these organizations. The move affected the broader football ecosystem in Russia, touching clubs across multiple levels and impacting the scheduling of domestic leagues, international club fixtures, and potential player transfers during that period.
These actions followed persistent hesitation about Russian participation in international events and echoed prior decisions by UEFA, which had already paused the involvement of Russian national teams and futsal teams in its competitions. The confluence of these rulings created a prolonged absence of competitive games for Russian representatives at the European and world stages, prompting discussions among fans, players, coaches, and administrators about the future direction of football in the country and its relationships with global federations.
Looking ahead, analysts note that the decision shapes several immediate considerations for Spartak Moscow and other Russian clubs. There is a need to focus on strengthening domestic performance, developing youth talent, and preparing for a potential reintegration into European play once the political and sporting landscape allows. Stakeholders emphasize the importance of maintaining competitive ambition while navigating the complexities of international sanctions and the evolving governance of football worldwide. The broader message from supporters and football professionals is clear: the sport should offer opportunities for excellence, rooted in fair play and the pursuit of success on merit, with an eventual return to the European arena seen as a milestone rather than a distant prospect.