Andrey Sozin, a member of the Ethics Committee of the Russian Football Union, weighed in on the news that Russia would arrange friendly matches with Kyrgyzstan and Iran. He expressed optimism that the national team could compete in official international fixtures again in the future, signaling a forward-looking vision for Russia’s participation on the world stage. His remarks carried a message aligned with the broader theme of resilience and a belief that national pride would endure despite current restrictions. Sozin described the situation as a moment to demonstrate the team’s presence and potential, rather than a detour from the country’s football ambitions.
Sozin urged spectators not to focus on the opponents of Kyrgyzstan and Iran but on the bigger objective: playing against teams from different nations. He emphasized that Russia’s current ban should not be treated as permanent and that showing tangible performance on the field would reinforce the nation’s sporting identity. He suggested that the national team’s efforts in these friendlies could lay the groundwork for more meaningful engagement in the future, beyond just exhibition games, if the opportunity arises.”
On September 7, the RFU announced a plan for three control matches in the autumn. The schedule starts with a game in Bishkek on September 24, where the Russian squad is set to face Kyrgyzstan. This matchup marks a high-profile moment for Russia’s national team, providing a stage to display readiness and unity in a period of international sanction-related limitations.
The RFU also confirmed an away friendly against Iran in November and indicated ongoing discussions to organize a third autumn fixture. These matches are framed as a strategic approach to maintain competitive rhythm, test combinations, and provide international exposure during a time when sanctions have constrained the traditional calendar. The context remains clear: Russia’s national team continues to pursue opportunities to compete abroad and to demonstrate readiness for future involvement in official competitions, should conditions permit.
It is important to recall that international governing bodies have acted to exclude Russian clubs and the Russian national team from participation in events overseen by FIFA and UEFA. The absence from these competitions has been a defining backdrop for Russia’s football program, influencing planning, selection, and preparation for the national side. Nonetheless, the discussions about friendly matches reflect continued efforts to preserve competitive momentum and to keep the program aligned with long-term sportings goals, even as the broader sanction landscape evolves.
Former head coach Valery Karpin outlined objectives for the friendly match with Kyrgyzstan, emphasizing tactical experimentation, player evaluation, and the development of team cohesion. The plan underscores a practical focus on building a versatile squad capable of competing at a higher level when opportunities reemerge. With this in view, the autumn schedule is positioned as a critical phase for assessing form, integrating newcomers, and reinforcing the national team’s identity on the international stage.