Coach Oleksandr Tarkhanov weighed in on the Ukrainian Football Federation s call to strip the Russian Football Union from FIFA and UEFA, a move tied to the permission that Crimean teams allegedly received to compete in Russian leagues. Tarkhanov, speaking to RB Sports, framed the issue as a matter of strategic timing and measured response, suggesting that sanctions and membership decisions should follow a careful, principled process rather than swift punitive actions.
The broader question now is how FIFA and UEFA will respond to the evolving situation. Tarkhanov expressed confidence that expulsion would not occur simply due to Crimean clubs taking part in domestic competitions, arguing that authorities will proceed with prudence and diplomacy. He stressed that the international bodies are well aware of the political and sporting realities involved, and that any decisive move will be calculated with the aim of maintaining stability in the sport while addressing governance concerns. His stance reflects a belief that Crimea is already understood by many to be part of Russia, a view he indicated could influence how sanctions are interpreted on the international stage.
Earlier in June, the Ukrainian Football Federation urged FIFA and UEFA to revoke the RFU s membership, tying the request to the planned integration of Crimean clubs into the 2023/24 season. The measure underscores Kyiv s position that the presence of Crimean teams in Russian competitions challenges the recognized footballing order and raises questions about eligibility and compliance with sanctions already imposed by FIFA and UEFA.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, the lineup in the lower tier of Russian football is set to change with the inclusion of Sevastopol and Rubin Yalta in the First League. In addition, Khimki and Torpedo, both recent entrants from the top tier that left the Russian Premier League, are slated to join the same division. These shifts are unfolding amid a broader debate about the continuity of Russian club participation in major competitions and the potential ripple effects on scheduling, sponsorship, and fan engagement across the region.
Historically, FIFA and UEFA made a decisive move last spring to suspend all Russian clubs and the national team from events and competitions under their control. The policy aimed to uphold the integrity of the leagues and the governing bodies while addressing geopolitical realities that influence eligibility and participation. The current discourse centers on whether those sanctions will be reaffirmed, adjusted, or reinterpreted in light of ongoing debates over territorial governance, club ownership, and the rights of teams operating under contested jurisdictions. The conversation also touches on how national football associations articulate their positions and how those positions intersect with international law and sports diplomacy. Stakeholders across the region continue to monitor developments closely, anticipating formal announcements that could redefine participation rules for Crimean clubs and their standing within the broader Russian football system.
In a related but separate note, a former State Duma deputy suggested that UEFA may not remove Russia from its membership, highlighting the political and organizational tensions that complicate decisive action in international sport. This perspective points to the likelihood that any future decisions will involve a balance between geopolitical considerations, legal constraints, and the evolving landscape of European football governance. The situation remains fluid, with clubs, leagues, and associations watching for clarifications that could reshape the competitive framework for years to come.