General Director of the football club Ufa, Shamil Gazizov, addressed the possible shift of the Russian Football Union under the umbrella of the Asian Football Confederation. He stressed that the core priority for Russian teams and clubs is to maintain the chance to compete at the highest level. At the same time, Gazizov noted that decisions on this matter should come from the officials who hold responsibility for it.
He explained that his stance centers on wanting to see teams play and show strong football, while recognizing that those charged with making policy must determine the actual path forward. Gazizov suggested that he could offer guidance, but preferred that such discussions happen behind the scenes rather than through public statements. His focus remains clear: support for the team’s participation, the quality of football on the field, and the overall development of the sport within the country and, notably, within their republic. He reiterated that the people who manage the process are the ones to address the issues involved.
It is worth recalling that in March 2022, Russian clubs and the national team faced suspensions from competitions organized by UEFA and FIFA, affecting the country’s participation on the European and global stages.
In late March, the national team played to a 1-1 draw with Iran, with both goals resulting from penalties. The squad faced a setback when Anton Miranchuk joined the ranks of players to be substituted. A few days later, Valery Karpin’s St. Petersburg team defeated the Iraqi national squad 2-0, with Miranchuk and Sergei Pinyayev contributing to the scoring in the second half. In stoppage time, midfielder Daler Kuzyaev received a red card, ending the match with a dramatic finish.
When discussing the national team’s performance from a broader perspective, Gazizov noted that the public conversation around their recent results has often emphasized critical remarks over praise for positive moments.