RFU Explains World Cup Path Through UEFA, Asian Play Occurs

The Russian Football Union’s chief executive, Maxim Mitrofanov, has clarified that the national team can compete in Asian football events, but such participation would not provide a pathway to World Cup qualification through those competitions. In his assessment, Russia remains eligible to play in Asian fixtures, yet these results would not count toward earning a World Cup berth. The reason is straightforward: Russia did not remove itself from UEFA, and until there is a formal departure from the European confederation, the World Cup route through Asian tournaments cannot be activated. This stance underscores the practical boundary that even when Russia participates regionally, the global qualification process remains tied to UEFA membership for the time being. This position aligns with the broader context of international sanctioning and the ongoing restructuring of Russia’s football governance, as observed by observers and officials alike, and it reflects Mitrofanov’s emphasis on the procedural steps required to formalize any shift in confederation alignment.