Alexander Dyukov, the president of the Russian Football Union (RFU), outlined the mixed level of support among national associations as the federation considers a potential move to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). His comments were reported by TASS, and he emphasized that the situation is nuanced rather than a simple division of opinions.
Dyukov noted that some countries express a willingness to engage with Russia and to explore closer football ties, while others present significant obstacles that make reaching an agreement difficult or impossible. He pointed out that this is not a universal rejection of Russia, but rather a complex matrix of positions. He cited a bloc of 26 associations that have supported sanctions against the Russian Federation, explaining that this number does not equate to a formal coalition opposing the AFC transition. He referenced historical examples, such as the Asian Games, where Russian athletes have not taken part, to illustrate the practical difficulties involved in such a move.
During the RFU Executive Committee meeting held on 20 December, the members discussed the proposal to join the AFC in the absence of guarantees from the International Football Federation (FIFA). The consensus among the committee was cautious: moving to Asia without FIFA backing would lack a solid foundation and clarity regarding eligibility, competition structure, and long‑term governance. Nevertheless, Dyukov had previously indicated that the option to move to Asia remained under consideration as part of a broader strategic review.
Looking back to 2022, the moment when FIFA and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) suspended Russia from international competition created a new landscape for the RFU. The suspension affected the national team and all Russian clubs, shifting the federation’s planning horizon and forcing it to rethink participation in major tournaments controlled by these bodies. The RFU has continued to explore ways to re-engage with the broader European and global football communities while weighing the implications of any potential realignment with Asian football bodies.
Earlier discussions from RFU circles touched on the possibility of scheduling matches with national teams from Europe as part of a long‑term outreach strategy. The discussions reflect an ongoing effort to preserve competitive opportunities for Russian footballers and to maintain active international dialogue, even as the governance framework around sanctions and eligibility remains unsettled. The conversations underscore the RFU’s aim to secure a stable and credible pathway back into the broader football world, mindful of the geopolitical and sporting considerations that influence such a transition. In all of these deliberations, the role of FIFA and the regional confederations remains central, guiding any realignment in a way that respects international norms and the interests of Russian football fans and players.