Deputy of the State Duma Roman Teryushkov commented to Euro-Football.Ru about the Russian Football Union’s decision not to join the Asian Confederation. He weighed the move with a cautious eye on the broader landscape of world football and the practical steps needed for Russia to adapt to shifting alliances and competition formats.
He noted that while faith in a positive outcome is natural, the international game operates on clear commercial and organizational grounds. Fantasy can be a trap in a sport driven by revenue, schedules, and governance. Europe has already moved away from Russian football, and Russia must take time to reassess its strategic approach. The current state calls for a honest evaluation, rather than attempts to preserve outdated systems. New structures will emerge as the global football world reorganizes, and the prudent course starts with Russia itself, from within its own practices and policies.
During the RFU Executive Committee meeting held on 20 December, participants agreed that a transition to Asia would be unwarranted without a guarantee from FIFA. The absence of clear support from the sport’s governing body would leave Russia exposed to risks and uncertainties in competitive alignment.
In spring 2022, FIFA and UEFA made the decision to suspend Russia’s national team and all Russian clubs from competitions under their purview. This interruption reshaped the rhythm of Russian football, limiting participation to friendlies with foreign teams rather than formal contests in major tournaments for a period of time.
For 2023, RFU president Alexander Dyukov announced plans for a scheduled match against the Serbian national team, signaling continued engagement on the international stage despite the broader suspensions. The discussions around such fixtures illustrate how Russian football aimed to maintain competitive activity while navigating sanctions and governance decisions from international bodies.
Earlier statements from RFU representatives pointed to concerns about double standards in treatment of Russia and Israel, highlighting how political contexts can influence sports governance and the perception of fairness on the global stage.