The president of Yekaterinburg’s Ural football club, Grigory Ivanov, voiced support for the RFU’s potential move to the Asian Football Confederation, noting that a shift could reshape the landscape for Russian football. He emphasized that remaining inactive offers little benefit and that players’ careers are short, so competing in Asia might be preferable for a period if UEFA access remains uncertain for a prolonged stretch. This perspective highlights a broader debate about national association alignment and competitive opportunities on the global stage.
Observers recall that FIFA and UEFA have excluded the Russian national team and all Russian clubs from competitions under their umbrella. As a result, the RFU has been actively exploring a formal transition to the AFC. A decision on whether to pursue this path was anticipated for December and remains a focal point for stakeholders seeking ways to preserve competitive play for Russian clubs and athletes in a rapidly shifting international football environment.
Former Russia national team head coach Fabio Capello weighed in on the developing situation, confirming reports that the RFU could consider joining the AFC. The ongoing discussions reflect coordinated efforts among federation leaders to chart a course that maintains high-level competition for Russian teams while addressing the evolving landscape of international football governance. Stakeholders continue to monitor developments as the date for a potential decision approaches, with careful analysis of the implications for players, revenues, and national pride in a globally connected sport.