Valery Karpin, the head coach of the Russian national football team, issued a New Year’s Eve video message to the squad. In a candid, lighthearted tone, he greeted the players and asked about how they were winding down for the holidays. He quipped about whether the team had already picked up their festive drinks and then shifted to a more practical note about fitness and weight, joking about the balance between celebration and staying in shape. The message conveyed a sense of camaraderie while underscoring the ongoing focus on preparation and discipline as the year closes.
In spring 2022, the sport’s global governing body, FIFA, together with UEFA, announced sanctions that suspended Russia from participation in all competitions organized by these organizations. This decision separated the national team and Russian clubs from official FIFA and UEFA events, forcing them to adapt to a new competitive environment while remaining active on the international stage only in non-official or friendly contexts with foreign opponents.
Starting from spring 2022, Russian clubs and the national team participated exclusively in friendly matches against international opponents. The shift was significant for player development, team cohesion, and strategic planning as coaches and federation officials recalibrated long-term goals within a constrained competitive landscape.
In 2023, Valery Karpin’s squad secured a mix of results in international friendlies, drawing with Iran and Qatar (both 1–1) and with Kenya (2–2), while achieving victories over Cuba (8–0) and Iraq (2–0) and Cameroon (1–0). These results reflected the team’s efforts to maintain competitive form, test new lineups, and foster team chemistry despite ongoing sanctions and the absence from official FIFA competitions. Analysts noted that the performances demonstrated resilience and the ability to adapt to varied styles of play while pursuing improvements in tactics and fitness across different conditions and opponents.
There has also been broader discussion about the challenges faced by foreign players considering moves to or from Russia during this period. Observers highlighted the impact of sanctions on transfers, training environments, and long-term career planning for international talent, as well as the evolving regulations that influenced decision-making for players, clubs, and national teams alike. Commentators emphasized the importance of stability, clear governance, and a focus on developing domestic talent to sustain the sport’s growth under changing circumstances.
Overall, the period marked by institutional suspensions and ongoing international competition shaped a unique era for Russian football. The national team’s leadership, coaching staff, and players continued to navigate a landscape defined by international sanctions, strategic experimentation, and the quest to maintain visibility and competitiveness on the world stage. Through continuous training, rigorous match preparation, and thoughtful player management, the team aimed to keep progressing while honoring the responsibilities of representing Russia in a divided international football environment.