Alexey Sorokin, a trusted advisor to the President of the Russian Football Union (RFU) and a member of FIFA’s Council, recently addressed questions about which European teams would be willing to play against Russia. His assessment focused on the current landscape and the practical considerations clubs and national squads weigh when arranging friendlies and competitive matches. He emphasized that the primary criterion is the teams’ competitive level, not merely their geographic or political alignment. The aim is to secure opponents who can provide a meaningful challenge and help the Russian side improve, regardless of whether those teams come from Europe, Latin America, or Asia. He also noted that future changes will come in line with RFU decisions, and that the team must adapt to whatever new frameworks are established by the federation and international bodies. For context, Sorokin stressed that the pursuit of quality opponents remains the priority, even if the path to those matches proves complex. [Citation: RFU communications]
In recent matchups, the Russian squad played a European rival in Moscow, delivering a strong performance with a 4-0 victory over Serbia. This result underscored the progress made under the current coaching staff and highlighted the willingness to engage in high-caliber clashes within the evolving international environment. A forthcoming fixture against Belarus was planned for June in Minsk, signaling a continued strategy of testing the team against regional neighbors while maintaining flexibility in scheduling and opponent selection. The broader objective is to maintain continuous play and development while awaiting clearer participation options on the international stage. [Citation: RFU match reports]
The broader international context has included significant interruptions. In the spring of 2022, FIFA and UEFA suspended the participation of the Russian national team and Russian clubs in all competitions governed by their rules. This suspension affected friendlies, qualifiers, and altri events, shaping how the RFU approached preparations and what kinds of competitive opportunities could be pursued. The situation demanded resilience and creative planning from the federation and national team staff as they navigated a landscape of constraints and potential reintegration. [Citation: FIFA and UEFA governance notes]
There have been ongoing efforts to reintroduce Russian football into youth and broader international competitions. UEFA explored pathways for youth teams to participate again, but subsequently, their board of directors decided to reverse an earlier admission step, leaving the under-21 and other youth programs in a transitional position while governance discussions continued. The dialogue around eligibility, competitive balance, and organizational readiness remained central to strategic discussions within the federation and its European counterparts. [Citation: UEFA statements]
Earlier statements about the level of the Russian national team have reflected a commitment to honest assessment and steady development. The coaching and administrative teams have repeatedly highlighted areas of improvement, outlined training priorities, and underscored the importance of disciplined, high-intensity preparation. The overall message has been one of measured progress, acknowledging both the challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead as the national program seeks to re-establish itself on the international stage. [Citation: team briefings]