RFU’s Possible Shift to AFC: Insights from Former Players and Analysts

Former Rostov and Sochi midfielder Ivan Novoseltsev shared his take on the potential move of the Russian Football Union from UEFA to the Asian Football Confederation. He suggested that if there is an alternative path and a real chance to test strength, Asia could serve as a reasonable option. In his view, Russia would need to explore new competitive environments, measure progress, and lay the groundwork for a sustainable future. He described the choice as selecting the lesser of two evils when European opportunities seem limited for a prolonged period. This perspective reflects a broader debate about which federation alignment could best support Russian football during a time of significant upheaval and isolation from major UEFA and FIFA competitions. The RFU had previously postponed a decision meeting that would address a potential transition to the AFC. During that period, FIFA and UEFA had decided to suspend Russia from all competitions under their governance, meaning the national team and Russian clubs were excluded from events such as the 2022 World Cup and the Euro 2024 draw. Analysts and former players weighed the implications of these sanctions for domestic leagues, player development, and national team rebuilding efforts. One former football manager, Alexei Safonov, offered his views on the return of Kurban Berdyev to the Russian Premier League and evaluated the prospects of a 70-year-old coach taking charge of Sochi. His reflections touched on the potential for Berdyev to contribute his experience to a league facing regeneration challenges, while also considering the practicalities of coaching at that age and the broader strategy for a club like Sochi. The ongoing discussions underscore the broader strategic question facing Russian football: how to reconfigure international alignment, maintain competitive integrity, and create a pathway for talent development during a period of international sanctions and organizational realignment. In a climate of uncertainty, many voices argue for a pragmatic approach that prioritizes long-term development, domestic league strength, and the ability to rejoin the global football community on terms that support sustained progress. The debate continues to unfold among federation officials, former players, coaches, and analysts who monitor the evolving dynamics of international football governance and regional affiliations. This evolving story keeps football audiences attentive to the potential outcomes, the timelines involved, and the practical steps necessary to restore Russian participation at the highest levels of the sport. Attribution notes indicate that these positions represent individual viewpoints within a broader conversation about Russia’s place in world football and the possible paths forward for its national team and clubs.