RFU Considers Russian Referees for CAFA Tournament Participation
The Russian Football Union (RFU) Secretary General Maxim Mitrofanov indicated that the organization is ready to assess the possibility of Russian referees taking part in the Central Asian Football Federation tournament. The information was relayed by Sports Express.
It is noted that the Russian national team chose not to participate in the event. Mitrofanov added that if an invitation to referee any CAFA matches were to arrive, the RFU would review it, though no formal request has been submitted at this time.
The CAFA Championship is scheduled to take place in June 2023 and will feature teams from Tajikistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan. This event sits within a broader regional landscape of football collaboration and cross-border officiating that occasionally surfaces in the wake of shifts in international competition alignment.
Historically, March 2022 marked a pause in Russian participation in UEFA and FIFA events following a suspension of Russia from those organizations. This backdrop has influenced how Russian football authorities approach opportunities abroad and how they respond to requests for involvement in external competitions.
In late March, results from the region included a 1-1 draw between Russia and Iran in Tehran. A few days later, Valery Karpin’s team from St. Petersburg secured a 2-0 victory over Iraq. These results are part of a broader narrative about the season and the varying levels of participation and performance on and off the field.
Yuri Zavarzin, a former figure associated with Russia’s top league, commented on the decision by the Russian side to refrain from joining the CAFA tournament, noting the strategic considerations that accompany such choices. He emphasized that the decision aligns with current policy directions and international sporting obligations as they stand.