Former CSKA Player Supports RFU Stance on Regional Alignment and International Ambitions
Valery Masalitin, a former CSKA footballer, voiced support for the Russian Football Union’s decision not to shift the national program toward Asia, a stance noted by Euro-Football.Ru. He underscored that the timing was prudent, suggesting that political factors largely steer such moves. He remarked that when the environment becomes favorable, those in the sports world will naturally realign in Russia’s direction.
The ongoing special military operation has led to a pause in Russia’s participation in many international competitions. In 2023, the national team coached by Valery Karpin did not schedule any meetings with European opponents. A planned game against Serbia was slated to take place in Moscow in March 2024 at Dynamo Stadium, reflecting a continued effort to maintain competitive ties within the region. The most recent encounter between the two sides, during the UEFA Nations League Group B stage under Stanislav Cherchesov, ended in a 5-0 Serbian victory.
A former member of the Russian national squad highlighted the significance of the match agreement with Serbia and its potential impact on future sporting relations. He emphasized that agreements of this kind can carry weight in shaping ongoing discussions about international participation and cooperation, especially in times of political sensitivity.