Alexander Dyukov, the President of the Russian Football Union, discussed the potential for hosting international football matches on Russian soil, emphasizing a practical path to broader participation in the near future. He spoke about the word Championship as a frame of reference for the broader schedule and competitiveness, noting that the idea of bringing more events to Russia could help demonstrate the country’s capability to stage high-profile games in a safe and orderly environment. He indicated that efforts would focus on increasing the number of matches hosted within Russia, even as geopolitical tensions present a challenging backdrop for sport on the world stage.
Dyukov acknowledged that the current geopolitical climate is far from easy, yet he remained optimistic about demonstrating that Russia can welcome visiting teams and spectators alike for competitive fixtures. He pointed to the recent return to a home match after a period of interruption as a signal to international partners. The underlying message, he suggested, is that playing in Russia does not entail added risk for teams or fans when proper planning and security measures are in place. His remarks were made in the context of ongoing discussions about the scheduling and location of future international fixtures.
It is important to recall that, in the spring of 2022, the FIFA and UEFA decided to suspend Russia from participation in all competitions governed by those bodies. This exclusion affected the national team as well as domestic clubs, altering the competitive landscape and forcing adjustments in how Russia approached international play. The suspension was a defining factor for years, influencing travel, bilateral relations, and the logistics surrounding any potential return to global tournaments.
During the period of suspension, Russia’s national team engaged in a series of friendly matches against teams from Asia as a way to maintain competitive rhythms and gauge current form. These fixtures provided a chance to test players, evaluate tactical approaches, and maintain visibility on the international stage despite the absence from official competitions.
On March 23, a 1-1 draw with Iran marked a notable result in these friendlies, with both teams scoring from penalties. The concluding moments saw a submission by Anton Miranchuk, underscoring the ongoing contribution of Russian players to key moments in the match and highlighting the squad’s resilience in a challenging neutral setting. The draw reflected a balanced contest where both sides created chances and demonstrated tactical discipline under pressure.
Shortly after, on March 26, St. Petersburg hosted a match in which the Russian team defeated Iraq by 2-0. In the second half, goals from Anton Miranchuk and Sergey Pinyaev sealed the victory, illustrating the depth and growing effectiveness of the squad in adapting to international-level opposition. These performances served as a barometer for the team’s development and readiness for broader international responsibilities should opportunities arise.
The discussion around the Russia–Iraq encounter and the broader program of friendlies during the suspension period reflects a deliberate approach to maintaining competitive continuity while broader sanctions and bans shaped the framework for interaction with other national teams. The emphasis remained on upholding sporting standards, ensuring player development, and keeping strategic options open for future participation on the world stage.