Dmitry Svishchev, a deputy in the State Duma of the Russian Federation, offered remarks about the Ukrainian Football Federation’s appeal to FIFA and UEFA seeking a ban on football competitions. The report noted that a friendly match between Russia and Serbia had recently taken place, as reported by Sports Express, underscoring the ongoing tensions surrounding international football diplomacy.
Svishchev questioned the relevance of Ukraine to the situation, suggesting that if Ukraine had no interest in the match, it should simply avoid the broadcasts. He urged focus on domestic football issues, arguing that there are numerous challenges facing the sport within the country and that attention should be directed there.
The forthcoming match between the Russian and Serbian national teams was scheduled to be held at the Dynamo Stadium in Moscow on March 21, 2024, providing fans with an eagerly anticipated clash amid a broader context of regional sporting relations and political discourse.
Historically, the two national teams have met on six occasions, with Russia securing three victories, Serbia one win, and two matches ending in draws. The most recent encounter before the current series occurred in November 2020 during the League of Nations, where Serbia achieved a decisive 5–0 win, leaving a notable imprint on the head-to-head record between the sides.
In a related development, UEFA had previously taken disciplinary actions involving the Ukrainian Football Federation, a factor that has contributed to ongoing debates about governance, sanctions, and the alignment of football institutions with the wider political landscape. These dynamics continue to shape discussions about competitive integrity, broadcasting, and the role of international bodies in regional sports governance. For context, coverage of these events has been reported by multiple outlets, including Sports Express, and observers are watching how FIFA and UEFA navigate the evolving situation in the coming months.