Vyacheslav Koloskov, Honorary President of the Russian Football Union, spoke to Championship in an interview and stated that the RFU will stay under the jurisdiction of UEFA. He emphasized that the federation will not seek a formal departure from European governance, keeping football policy and competition rules aligned with the European body. This stance matters to clubs and fans across Russia and beyond, because it signals a continued commitment to European competition standards, licensing procedures, and the governance framework that shapes football from youth leagues to the top flight. Koloskov’s remarks convey a message of stability at a moment when sanctions and political tensions have affected the sport globally. The RFU aims to maintain continuity with UEFA, ensuring that Russian football remains linked to the European football ecosystem, while engaging with allied federations, leagues, and broadcasting partners that rely on UEFA’s performance standards. The statement also resonates with players and agents who operate under UEFA competition calendars and licensing rules, as well as sponsors and leagues across Europe who watch for signals about Russia’s participation in international events. In short, the plan laid out by Koloskov sets a clear baseline for how the RFU will conduct its relations with UEFA in the near term, even as wider geopolitical forces shape the sport’s landscape.
According to Koloskov, the idea of moving to the Asian Football Confederation in 2022 is no longer on the table. The prospect had circulated amid shifting alliances in global football, but the federation chose to abandon it. The discussion drew attention from federation officials, club executives, and fans, yet leadership opted for continuity over change. The choice carries implications for how Russia engages with regional markets, sponsorship deals, and investment in development programs. Koloskov noted that any attempt to realign with a different continental body would require much more than a decision on paper, including access to competitions, relief from sanctions, and recognition from the sport’s global authorities. In essence, the AFC route was dropped, and the RFU has kept its focus on Europe.
Koloskov emphasized that even if a move to Asia were possible, it would not automatically open a pathway to Asian competitions. He reminded readers that sanctions from FIFA and UEFA limit the federation’s participation in official events. The dynamic between politics and sport means choices made by the federation must align with the constraints in place. The executive committee has spoken on the matter; there will be no transition, the issue is closed. The RFU’s stance mirrors the reality many national associations face when sanctions influence the calendar, licensing, and the ability to compete at the highest levels. The statement comes amid a broader pause in international play for Russia, with friendlies used to maintain competitiveness while formal statuses remain unresolved. For clubs, the consequence lies in domestic scheduling, player development pathways, and the ability to attract foreign players and coaches who prefer leagues operating under UEFA rules.
In spring 2022, FIFA and UEFA suspended Russia’s national team and all Russian clubs from their competitions. Since then, the national team has played only friendly matches against teams from allied nations, while domestic clubs have competed within the Russian Championship and Cup. This period has shaped the recent trajectory of Russian football, contrasting domestic efforts to stay competitive with the absence of participation in continental tournaments. Earlier reports from Spartak Moscow noted talks about parting with forward Alexander Sobolev, a move reflecting broader strategic planning at a club navigating a constrained sporting environment.