Russia and Kenya to Meet in a Friendly Test as FIFA Rankings Are Affected
A forthcoming friendly between the Russia national team and the Kenya national team is set to be counted in the FIFA world rankings. The update comes via TASS, citing a spokesperson from the Russian Football Union’s communications department. This sampling of international play will contribute to the ongoing assessment of teams on the global stage and adds another layer to the season’s ranking dynamics. (Source attribution: RFU communications desk, via TASS)
According to the RFU, the upcoming Russia versus Kenya match will appear in the FIFA rankings, with official notes indicating that five substitutions are allowed during the game. An additional substitution would be permitted in the event of a serious injury. These substitution rules align with standard modern international match practices and are anticipated to be reflected in the match report and subsequent ranking calculations. (Source attribution: RFU communications desk, via TASS)
In addition to the Kenya game, the Russian national team is scheduled for a separate friendly against Cameroon on October 12, to be hosted at the VTB Arena. The October 16 date features a joint challenge with Kenya scheduled to take place in Turkey, presenting a regional neutral venue to both teams as part of a broader period of fixtures. (Source attribution: RFU communications desk)
Historically, FIFA and UEFA made a decisive move in the spring of 2022, suspending Russia from participation in all competitions governed by these two bodies. The impact of that suspension has shaped the competitive landscape for the national team and Russian clubs during that period and continues to influence scheduling and eligibility considerations in international football discourse. (Source attribution: FIFA and UEFA statements via RFU reports)
Since the early part of the year, the Russia squad has engaged in a series of warm-up fixtures with teams from Asia, including Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. On September 12, a friendly with Qatar concluded with a 1–1 draw, underscoring the team’s ongoing preparation and adaptability as it builds cohesion ahead of higher-stakes international competition. (Source attribution: RFU reports, corroborated by regional football outlets)
In a related development, a statement from the Ukrainian Ministry of Sports urged UEFA to boycott Russia, reflecting ongoing political and sporting tensions that have influenced sentiment around international competitions. The situation illustrates how external factors sometimes intersect with sport, shaping public discourse and policy decisions within football governance. (Source attribution: Ukrainian Ministry of Sports communications)
Overall, the current slate of matches and ranking implications demonstrates the dynamic nature of international football where teams balance preparation, regulatory constraints, and the ever-shifting calculations of the FIFA standings. Observers will watch how the Russia–Kenya fixture, along with the Cameroon meeting and the broader schedule, influences perceptions of form and potential seeding in future tournaments. (Source attribution: RFU briefings and FIFA communications)