The RFU board meeting concluded with a notable decision regarding a transfer and its relations with the Asian Football Confederation. The outcome drew media attention beyond the core decision itself.
At the end of the session, the federation president, Alexander Dyukov, announced that the Russian national team is scheduled to play a friendly match against Serbia in March 2024.
“A game with Serbia is planned for March and will take place within the Russian Federation. We have signed the relevant agreement,” Dyukov stated. The remarks were carried by Match TV.
Where the match might take place
Dyukov noted there were preliminary discussions about the venue, which would depend largely on the quality of the playing surface and spring weather. It was also emphasized that the match should be held at a large stadium.
Media reports from the Serbian agency Tanjug suggested the game could be held on March 21 or 22 in St. Petersburg, with Zenit Arena mentioned as a possible site, though no official confirmation was given. Dyukov later confirmed that UEFA had granted permission and that the RFU had agreed to host the match at Moscow Dynamo Stadium on March 21, according to statements reported by Sports24 and echoed by the Serbian Football Association’s General Secretary Jovan Surbatovich.
Game assurances
Regarding guarantees for the match, Dyukov argued that the present situation differs from a previous agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina, which was affected by public reaction and protests by players. He noted that a contract exists between the RFU and the Serbian side, and that international federations are unlikely to ban the meeting.
Maxim Mitrofanov, General Secretary of the RFU, indicated there is potential for another friendly in 2024 with Belarus, though he stressed that this would not occur in March.
Timing of sanctions relief
Dyukov also addressed expectations for the lifting of sanctions on Russian teams. He pointed out that sanctions stemming from the Ukraine situation remain in place and that lifting them is not straightforward. He emphasized continuing negotiations and the importance of allowing the national team to compete internationally whenever possible, while acknowledging political limits and the ongoing impact on players and programs.
Dyukov clarified that the March match would be played under neutral conditions, without the national flag or anthem, until federations decide otherwise. He stressed that the RFU is a collective body, and decisions reflect the views of its executive committee and all members rather than any single individual.
Matches this year
During the previous year the Russian national team, led by Valery Karpin, played eight friendlies. A draw with Iran and a win over Iraq occurred in March, followed by a long pause until September and a busy autumn schedule with several matches. Karpin also oversaw youth fixtures against international opponents, including a pair of U23 games with Egypt that ended in a draw and a loss, and a draw against Qatar’s senior side. In October, a home match against Cameroon resulted in a 1-0 defeat, and a draw with Kenya occurred at a venue associated with a Turkish hotel. In November, Volgograd hosted the game against Cuba, which ended in a large defeat for the visitors.