Maxim Mitrofanov, the Secretary General of the Russian Football Union, spoke through a telegraph channel journalist about recent talks on international friendly games. The RFU has outlined plans to arrange test matches involving the Russian national team with clubs and national squads from Africa, alongside potential engagements with teams from Asia and Latin America. The discussions point to a broader schedule for the year, aimed at restoring competitive international play while the federation awaits a broader return to sanctioned events.
Mitrofanov noted that several Asian national teams are among the possibilities, but there is a strong emphasis on forming matches with African teams and Latin American sides. He mentioned preliminary agreements with a number of major African teams to host or participate in friendly fixtures within the year, signaling a strategic push to diversify opponents and regions during this period.
It is recalled that in the spring of 2022, FIFA and UEFA moved to suspend the Russian national team and all Russian clubs from competitions under their governance. The suspension led the national squad to pivot toward regional arrangements and non-governing bodies for competition, as the federation sought ways to keep the team active in a challenging sanctions environment.
During the suspension, the Russian team played several warm-up matches with Asian squads, providing opportunities to test lineups and tactics on international soil. On March 23, the team drew 1-1 with Iran, with both goals coming from penalties. Offensive duties were assigned to players such as Anton Miranchuk, who featured prominently in the forward line during that encounter, contributing to a closely fought draw.
Three days later, Saint Petersburg hosted a match in which the Russian side defeated Iraq 2-0. In the second half, Miranchuk added to the scoreline, with another goal from Sergei Pinyayev helping seal the result and offering valuable minutes to the squad as it prepared for future trials and potential matchups.
Alexander Dyukov, formerly head of the RFU, has also spoken about the possibility of hosting international matches within Russia, highlighting the federation’s interest in creating opportunities for the home crowd and maintaining a pathway for the national team to compete against varied international opposition in the future. The discussions reflect an ongoing effort to navigate geopolitical challenges while continuing to build competitive depth for the national team and its stakeholders. [Citations attributed to RFU communications and official statements]”