Vladimir Fedotov, the head coach of CSKA Moscow, offered his perspective on why forward Fedor Chalov did not feature for the Russian national team in the recent friendly matches against Iran and Iraq. He emphasized that national team selection rests with the head coach and requires evaluation of multiple tactical options. Before the Iran game, a call was made to Chalov, but Fedotov suggested that Chalov should view this as an opportunity to push harder and present the case for his inclusion in future squads. He framed it as a form of constructive challenge designed to spark growth and ensure the coach has a broader set of choices when assembling the lineup for upcoming fixtures, a sentiment attributed to Championship.com.
Chalov was named to an expanded list of potential national team candidates yet did not join the squad for the March training camp or for the planned friendlies against Iran and Iraq. The Iranian clash was scheduled to be played in Tehran on March 23, followed by a match against the Iraqi side three days later in St. Petersburg. This scheduling context highlights the deliberate choice by the coaching staff to balance准备 and form across a busy international cycle, while still leaving room for future integration of Chalov into the national team configuration.
Historically, FIFA and UEFA made a seismic decision last year to suspend the Russian national team and all Russian clubs from participating in competitions governed by these two organizations. That ruling has had wide-reaching implications for player development, international exposure, and the competitive rhythm of Russian clubs and the national team during this period. The absence from European and world competition has led to renewed discussions about how Russian football should align itself with global structures and where opportunities for high-level international experience might be found.
In a separate development, Chalov spoke about rumors regarding a potential move from the Union of European Football Associations to the Asian Football Confederation. The comments from the RFU outlined a clear stance that such a transition would not offer a meaningful path for the player or for the Russian program at this time, reiterating the focus on domestic and regional competitions and the adjustments players face within the current regulatory landscape. This broader context helps explain Chalov’s situation as part of a shifting international football environment and the choices available to players during a time of upheaval in the sport’s governing bodies.