Former Spartak Coach Comments on RFU and UEFA Working Group
Former Spartak Moscow head coach Massimo Carrera has spoken about the Russian Football Union’s plan to form a working group in collaboration with the Union of European Football Associations. The comments were disseminated by RB Sports. Carrera expressed cautious optimism about the move, suggesting that it could open a pathway toward resolving ongoing issues that have affected Russian football on the international stage.
According to Carrera, the RFU’s decision holds promise because it signals a potential breakthrough in the discussions that have stalled Russian participation in major international events. He argued that shifting focus toward the Asian confederation would not be beneficial for the development and competitive standing of Russian football. In Carrera’s view, Russia is likely to reassume a position within European competition at some point in the future, though the exact timeline remains uncertain.
Historically, this period has been marked by a broad exclusion from FIFA and UEFA competitions. Both governing bodies restricted the Russian national team and all Russian clubs from participating in events under their auspices, a decision tied to geopolitical and organizational considerations. The Russian side has not played any official matches since November 2021, when it participated in World Cup qualifying matches in Qatar. These absences have created a backdrop of uncertainty for players, clubs, and the domestic league as it seeks to reestablish its footing on the world stage. [citation: FIFA and UEFA sanctions context]
The broader discussion about a possible transition to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) gained momentum in the autumn, with supporters and critics weighing the financial and competitive implications. Proponents of the AFC route pointed to fresh markets and new opportunities for sponsorship and television revenue, while opponents highlighted the likely decline in matchday income and the higher travel costs associated with competitions across a vast and densely populated region. The AFC currently comprises 47 member associations and oversees competitions such as the AFC Asian Cup, the AFC Champions League, and the AFC Cup. These events attract significant audiences in Asia but present a different set of revenue models and competitive pressures compared with European tournaments. [citation: AFC structure and competitions]
Olga Smorodskaya, a former president of Lokomotiv Moscow, voiced a strong stance against RFU’s potential switch to the AFC. Smorodskaya argued that maintaining ties with European football would be strategically wiser for Russia, citing long-standing historical, logistical, and developmental advantages associated with European competition. Her position reflects a broader push within segments of the Russian football community to preserve a European alignment rather than pursue a rapid realignment focused on the Asian confederation. [citation: Smorodskaya commentary]