The defender of Spartak and the Russian national team, Georgy Jikia, spoke about how the national team viewed the exclusion from international competitions. The remarks were carried by Sport Express.
“I did not see the world through a different lens. The emotions were intense when we faced dismissal, and I have since come to terms with the situation in my own way. It seems unlikely that we will return soon, regardless of how fast the process might move. I did not drastically change anything within myself,” Jikia stated, emphasizing a steady mindset even in uncertain times.
It is well known that FIFA and UEFA decided to exclude the Russian national team and all Russian clubs from participation in events under their control. This decision affected the rhythm of training, competitive plans, and the overall mood of many players who had hoped to test themselves on the biggest stages. The consequences reached beyond the pitch, shaping discussions about national sporting identity and aspirations for the next era of Russian football.
On December 30, the Russian Football Union (RFU) was expected to decide on a potential switch to the Asian Confederation. Instead, the executive committee announced the formation of a working group tasked with analyzing the situation and providing recommendations regarding the advisability of leaving UEFA and aligning with a different continental body. The move signaled a period of careful consideration, with stakeholders weighing competitive benefits against political and logistical realities, and seeking a path that could restore stability and growth for the sport in the country.
Earlier, Giorgi Jikia had commented on the broader football landscape, noting that the Polish national team had publicly urged Robert Lewandowski to refuse to meet with Russia, a stance that underscored how international reactions were shaping the atmosphere around the sport. The interaction between national team decisions, player eligibility, and international diplomacy remained a central theme for fans and officials as the football world navigated a charged period of sanctions and reorganization. [citation attribution]