A Russian coach, Valery Ovchinnikov, weighed in on whether the Russian Football Union should shift to the Asian Conference. He suggested that if there is continued resistance against accepting Russia in certain competitions, a move could be considered simply to avoid ongoing friction that has stretched on for a long time.
Ovchinnikov remarked that the situation could be seen as a standoff where both sides continue to clash, and he hinted that provocative remarks often surface in heated debates. He added that, regardless of the decision, it would be prudent to block out the noise from detractors and keep focusing on football. He noted that the broader atmosphere around Russian football has been challenging, citing Poland as an example of a country that, in his view, dominated the campaign before setbacks that followed.
It is worth recalling that FIFA and the UEFA decided to exclude the Russian national team and all Russian clubs from participation in events controlled by those organizations. This has significantly affected the competitive landscape for Russian football and has shaped the planning for national teams and domestic clubs alike.
Russia’s last official match in World Cup qualifying came in November 2021, when the team faced Croatia and finished with a 0-1 result. The defeat stood as a marker of the difficulties experienced by Russia in the international arena during that cycle, as coaches and players adjusted to the new constraints and the evolving landscape of international football.
On Tuesday, December 27, the Russian Football Union was set to deliberate on the possibility of joining the Asia Conference, a move that would represent a strategic realignment in response to the current sanctions and bans affecting participation in certain European-led competitions. The discussion highlighted a broader question about how Russian football can reconfigure its calendar, pipelines, and international engagements in light of ongoing restrictions and the shifting tectonics of global football alliances.
Former analyst Ruslan Pimenov has noted that even if Russia were to align with Asia, there would still be barriers to participation in certain global tournaments, a reality that would influence long-term planning for national teams. The ongoing dialogue reflects a balance between pursuing competitive opportunities and navigating the constraints imposed by international governing bodies. The outcome of the RFU’s discussions would likely shape the strategic direction for Russian football over the coming years, affecting players, coaching staff, and the development pathways for domestic talent.