Former striker Maxim Demenko, who made his mark with top Russian clubs Spartak and Zenit, expressed surprise about how the national team’s friendly schedule has unfolded. He noted that Russia has been lining up warm-up matches against teams from Central Asia and the Middle East, with little to no opportunity to test themselves against opponents from other continents, including Latin America. Demenko acknowledged that current world events create logistical and organizational hurdles, yet he urged that the scheduling be coordinated with FIFA to ensure proper planning, legitimacy, and smoother travel arrangements across borders.
Speaking in depth, Demenko highlighted reports that Russia has extended conditional invitations to Brazil, Argentina, and Ecuador, but he remained unsure whether the Russian Football Union (RFU) has formally reached out to these federations. He questioned why a broader slate of opponents could not be pursued, noting that several national teams show willingness to meet Russia. The implication is that the bottleneck sits with RFU scheduling and outreach rather than a lack of international interest in facing the Russian side.
The former forward suggested that formal coordination with FIFA could be a necessary step. He pointed to FIFA communications often accompanying the process of arranging friendlies, arguing that such collaboration would align calendars, travel planning, and regulatory considerations across FIFA’s global network. In practical terms, this could reduce the friction that sometimes accompanies international match planning and ensure that clubs, players, and federations can prepare without last‑minute changes or conflicts with other commitments.
There is ongoing dialogue about a potential high‑profile friendly between Russia and Iran, a matchup that could carry substantial symbolic weight and competitive significance within the region and beyond. The prospect serves to illustrate a broader question about how national teams under geopolitical strain navigate international schedules, build their squads, and maintain competitive readiness for upcoming tournaments. The discussion also touches on the role of continental confederations and FIFA in facilitating matchups that satisfy both sports considerations and governance requirements. For fans and analysts in Canada and the United States, the topic underscores the practical challenges of scheduling in a global sport where diplomacy, logistics, and safety all influence the calendar. The commentary reflects a broader trend of seeking regular, meaningful competition for Russia while balancing political realities and international norms. Attribution follows contemporary reporting conventions to respect official statements and federation policies.