Oleg Ivanov, Rubin Kazan midfielder and captain of the national team, has laid out a clear position on how Russia should assemble its squad for international duty. He argues that the national team should avoid planning or fielding players from Media League clubs, a stance meant to preserve a steady level of competition and team harmony. In his view, integrating players from newly formed, media-driven leagues could disrupt established training rhythms, unbalance tactical foundations, and complicate selection for high-stakes qualifiers. Ivanov’s perspective resonates with fans who prize cohesion and continuity, especially when facing strong European opponents on the world stage. He emphasizes that the national team’s core should come from leagues that stay aligned with the standard FIFA and UEFA calendars and the broader ecosystem of professional football across Russia and nearby regions. The captain signals a preference for stability over experimentation, arguing that maintaining competitive integrity is essential for a country aiming to compete with the world’s best.
“We hear that there are offers to play in the Media League, but it will not be the same anymore,” Ivanov said, highlighting a shift in the football landscape. He noted that sponsors, fans, and players understand the evolving realities and that national team choices must reflect that reality. The remarks suggest a broader reluctance to move away from traditional leagues toward formats that could fragment the core squad. For supporters and analysts, Ivanov’s words imply that any move toward a different football ecosystem would require careful planning, clear standards, and proven value before being considered for national team call-ups.
On September 5, Russia defeated Vietnam 3-0 in a match that underscored the squad’s depth and ability to convert decisive moments. The opening goal came in the 24th minute from a midfielder described as a French league player, who opened the scoring and set the tone for the night. In the 62nd minute, a Vietnamese defender turned the ball into his own net, widening the lead. The final tally was provided in the 77th minute by a CSKA Moscow forward, sealing the result. The performance demonstrated disciplined play, quick transitions, and a clear edge in front of goal, offering valuable practice for the coaching staff as they evaluated players who could contribute in competitive fixtures. Despite the win, sanctions and scheduling challenges still cast a long shadow over preparations and opportunities to test the squad against top opponents.
An upcoming Russia–Thailand friendly in Hanoi on September 7 was cancelled due to Typhoon Yagi, illustrating how weather can derail schedules and disrupt preparations. With travel windows tightening and venues uncertain, organizers faced the difficult task of recalibrating plans, considering alternative venues, or accepting the loss of a fixture that could have provided meaningful exposure for players and coaches. The cancellation affected the rhythm of the national program, limiting opportunities for experimentation and selection against regional rivals. Fans and analysts watched closely as the implications unfolded, recognizing that a single cancelled match can ripple through training camps, travel plans, and the broader plan for the year.
Since the spring of 2022, FIFA and UEFA have suspended all Russian clubs and the national team from competitions under their jurisdiction, following guidance from the IOC. The move kept Russia out of the playoff routes for the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 European Championship in Germany, creating a setback for development and international visibility. Those sanctions have shaped the domestic schedule, the availability of high-level opponents, and the strategic planning behind player development and selection. The situation has been a regular topic of football discussions, with pundits debating how to navigate a long pause from European competition while preserving national pride. Earlier Artem Dzyuba was reported to have claimed rumors that the national team could take the field drunk during friendlies, a claim that sparked debates about discipline and professionalism within the sport. Despite the constraints, the national program continues to train and prepare whenever possible, awaiting a pathway back to the European football stage in line with sanctions progress and diplomatic developments.