Alexander Zotov, a member of the board of the Russian Football Union (RFU), indicated that the union had not yet reached a consensus on when to declare a potential switch to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The remarks came as Zotov cited ongoing discussions and an absence of a fixed timetable, noted in media coverage from Match TV.
On December 27, the RFU’s executive committee was scheduled to vote on the possible move to the Asian conference. While the organization later said the meeting would be postponed, officials asserted that a final decision would be delivered by December 31, 2022. Zotov explained that he did not have the authority to set the timing and that the next schedule would be announced once a consensus was reached. He added that representatives had not yet settled on a precise moment for the transition, and further details would follow.
This discussion unfolds against a broader context in which FIFA and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) have already decided to exclude the Russian national team and all Russian clubs from competitions governed by those bodies. The expulsions have left Russia’s teams unable to participate in official fixtures under FIFA and UEFA auspices since late 2021, with only friendlies being played during that period.
Previously, Yuri Zavarzin—former head of the Russian Football Premier League and a former CEO of both Spartak Moscow and Dynamo Moscow—faced criticism over the plan to move RFU membership to the AFC. Critics questioned how the shift would impact Russia’s football ecosystem, domestic leagues, and international relations within the sport. Zavarzin’s stance reflected broader debates about Russia’s alignment with Asian football institutions and the potential implications for competition schedules, sponsorship, and fan engagement.
The RFU has emphasized the strategic questions involved in any potential transition, including governance structures, financial commitments, and the alignment of youth and development programs with AFC standards. Supporters argue that joining the AFC could open new markets and competition routes, while opponents warn of disruption to established rivalries, broadcast arrangements, and the long-standing ties to European football networks. The decision would also have consequences for national team planning, training cycles, and the pathway for future generations of players in Russia.
As the organization weighed options, officials reiterated that any move would require careful consideration of the legal, financial, and sporting ramifications. Stakeholders across clubs, leagues, and federations were urged to monitor official statements and the RFU’s formal communications to understand the timeline and criteria guiding the potential transition. The outcome remained uncertain, with the combined pressure of international sanctioning bodies, domestic priorities, and regional football politics shaping the deliberations.
In the weeks surrounding the discussion, discussions with national and European partners continued to influence the RFU’s planning. The federation sought to preserve Russia’s competitive interests while navigating the evolving landscape of international football governance. Observers noted that the decision would set a precedent for how national associations respond to shifts in regional alignment and how such moves are received by clubs, players, and fans across the country and its neighboring markets.
The broader football world watched closely as the RFU’s leadership engaged in consultations about potential timelines and milestones necessary for any transition. While some suggested that a switch to the AFC could bring new scheduling opportunities and regional collaboration, others urged caution to avoid destabilizing the domestic sport’s growth trajectory. As discussions advanced, the RFU underscored the importance of transparency, stakeholder input, and a measured approach to any future steps—ensuring that decisions would be rooted in long-term advantages for Russian football and its communities. (attribution: RFU communications)”