Honorary President of the Russian Football Union Vyacheslav Koloskov shared his perspective on the ongoing topic, reflecting on how political and administrative actions have shaped football’s landscape. He noted that the sanctions imposed by FIFA and UEFA have overshadowed much of the dialogue surrounding the game, and he emphasized that the most vivid thoughts he had about the situation were formed the moment those sanctions were announced. For Koloskov, the emotional impact of the decision was clear, but the immediate sense of surprise had already faded after the initial news broke last year, leaving room for a more pragmatic assessment of how the sport is positioned in the region today.
On January 25, UEFA’s Executive Committee confirmed that the European Super Cup match, contested by the Champions League and Europa League winners, would take place on August 16 in Athens, Greece. This decision marks a notable shift for fans and clubs accustomed to the traditional venues associated with European football’s curtain-raiser. The move to Athens is framed as part of UEFA’s ongoing scheduling and logistical planning for competitive fixtures, and it underscores how neutral venues and rotating hosts continue to influence the calendar. In the broader conversation, this change is seen as a reminder of how European football governance coordinates events across different nations while balancing competitive integrity and commercial interests.
Looking back to the spring of 2022, the International Federation and European football’s governing body decided to exclude the Russian national team and all Russian clubs from participation in their sanctioned competitions. Russia was also barred from hosting certain international tournaments, including the Champions League final that year, which had been slated for St. Petersburg. These measures reflected a period of upheaval in the sport, where political tensions intersected with the beautiful game, forcing officials, players, and supporters to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape. The consequences extended beyond a single match or season, shaping how teams prepared for future European events and how host cities planned for major finals under new security and eligibility frameworks. Koloskov’s comments capture a moment in time when officials were weighing the long-term implications of these sanctions for Russian football and for the broader ecosystem of international competition.