The Russian Football Union (RFU) confirmed that a planned friendly between the Russia national team and Cameroon did not take place, with Cameroon pulling out at the last moment. The decision surfaced as early as May 23 when it became clear that the Moscow meeting, originally scheduled for June 15, would not proceed as planned.
RFU Secretary General Maxim Mitrofanov explained that the Cameroonian side had agreed in principle to play the match, but ultimately withdrew. He attributed the cancellation to the broader, ongoing challenges in arranging international fixtures, which he linked to the current foreign policy climate. These remarks were reported by Match TV as part of the federation’s ongoing efforts to provide clarity on event scheduling and international relations affecting the sport.
In the broader context, the conversation about Russia’s national team scheduling has continued alongside the decisions of major governing bodies. Earlier in the year, FIFA and UEFA extended their measures to exclude Russia from all competitions under their purview. This development has added layers of complexity for Russia’s national teams and clubs seeking international play, often shaping training plans, travel logistics, and match calendars for the coming seasons.
Looking ahead, the federation noted that the Russian squad’s training cycle would adapt to upcoming periods, with plans for the near future indicating a shift toward autumn sessions. This adjustment reflects an ongoing emphasis on maintaining competitive readiness despite the constraints imposed by international sanctioning bodies and related scheduling uncertainties.
As the situation evolves, the RFU continues to monitor developments in international football governance and foreign policy factors that influence match opportunities, travel arrangements, and the ability of national teams to participate in global competitions. The leadership reiterates a commitment to transparency about match plans and the practical realities of arranging international fixtures under the current geopolitical and regulatory environment, with the aim of keeping supporters informed and teams prepared for forthcoming assignments. [RFU statement] [Match TV] [FIFA and UEFA decisions]