Guus Hiddink, the seasoned Dutch coach who led the Russian national team from 2006 to 2010, remains a notable figure in the history of Russian football. During his tenure, the team achieved a memorable bronze medal at Euro 2008, a milestone that still resonates with fans. Hiddink also served as head coach of Anzhi Makhachkala, contributing to the club’s profile during a period of intense domestic attention to the sport.
When asked whether he still follows Russian football, Hiddink offered a candid answer. He stated that he does not follow it closely. He explained that when certain broadcasts begin, they are not available for viewing, making ongoing coverage hard to access. This observation reflects broader questions about the accessibility and visibility of Russian football on international platforms, especially during transitional periods for broadcasting rights. The remark was reported by RB Sports and attributed to the former coach.
To understand the context, it is important to recall that global governing bodies have altered the competitive landscape. The International Football Federation (FIFA) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) decided to exclude Russia and its clubs from all competitions under their purview. This suspension has had wide-reaching effects on national team activities, club participation, and the overall visibility of Russian football on the world stage. The absence of Russia from FIFA and UEFA competitions has influenced how games are broadcast, covered, and discussed by fans, analysts, and former insiders alike.
In related developments, there were reports in 2023 that the Russian Football Union would move away from Adidas gear. Such shifts in sponsorship reflect the broader reconfiguration of football partnerships that followed the team’s exclusion from major international competitions and the evolving commercial climate surrounding the sport in Russia. The changing gear sponsorships highlight how brand partnerships can be affected by geopolitical and sporting sanctions, as well as the strategic decisions made by football authorities during periods of international isolation.