The General Secretary of the Russian Football Union (RFU), Maxim Mitrofanov, spoke in an interview with Match TV about the national team leadership. He made clear that he had no plan to depart from his duties with the national team because Valery Karpin, the head coach, was temporarily suspended from participation in national matches. Mitrofanov emphasized that such a question had not even been raised within the RFU, describing it as a matter not seriously considered by the federation. He acknowledged that while Karpin might have entertained the possibility in private thoughts, there was no formal discussion or decision ever brought to the table.
Karpin took the job of head coach of the Russian national team in 2021 while also balancing other coaching responsibilities. He began his tenure with Rostov in July 2021 and initially intended to continue studying while guiding the national squad. However, in early August he announced a shift, deciding to devote his full attention to the national team and stepping away from Rostov. After his temporary suspension from the national team duties, Karpin returned to the task of coordinating both roles for a period, balancing competing responsibilities as events unfolded.
A separate development that shaped the broader football landscape involved governing bodies. In the spring of 2022, FIFA and UEFA made the decision to suspend Russia from all competitions under their jurisdiction. This included both the national team and the Russian clubs, creating a substantial disruption to Russia’s participation in international football and prompting widespread discussion about the implications for coaching staff, players, and federation leadership across the national sports ecosystem.
In related commentary, Franco Camozzi, who has previously served as an advisor connected to the Russian football community, offered opinions on the stability of football governance in Rome and the wider European context. While Camozzi’s remarks touched on the pressures and uncertainties faced by football organizations, they underscored the importance of consistent leadership and clear strategic direction during periods of upheaval. The situation illustrated how individual decisions at the federation level can intersect with the strategic plans of coaches and clubs, especially amid sanctions, suspensions, and shifting competition landscapes. In moments like these, clear communication from federation officials, and a shared understanding of roles and responsibilities, become essential for maintaining organizational resilience and safeguarding the interests of players, staff, and supporters. [Attribution: RFU statements; FIFA/UEFA resolutions; public commentary in football governance discussions]