The Russian national football team was reported to be preparing for a friendly against Serbia in 2024, according to Tanjug, citing the Football Federation of Serbia.
The Serbian side indicated that participation would depend on permissions from both UEFA and FIFA before the match could proceed.
Should the match receive approval, it is planned to be staged in St. Petersburg on either March 21 or March 22. This would mark Russia’s first competitive exposure to a European opponent in two years, highlighting a notable shift back toward international fixtures after a period of absence.
During 2022, FIFA and UEFA suspended Russia’s national team and all Russian clubs from participation in events governed by these bodies. Since the suspension, Russia has limited its international appearances to friendlies only.
In 2023, Valery Karpin’s squad faced a string of results against non-European opponents, including draws with Iran (1:1), Qatar (1:1), and Kenya (2:2), along with wins over Iraq (2:0), Cameroon (1:0), and a large-margin victory over Cuba (8:0). These performances underscored Russia’s efforts to maintain match fitness and visibility on the international stage despite ongoing restrictions.
Meanwhile, the Russian U23 team engaged in friendly matches with the Egyptian Olympic squad in September, drawing 1:1 and losing 1:2 in the pair of games. Plans for additional fixtures in June were not realized as scheduled, reflecting the ongoing challenges of scheduling in the current landscape.
On the Serbian side, the national team reached the final stage of the 2024 European Championship, to be hosted by Germany, signaling a strong period of competitive form for the squad amid a challenging European qualifying cycle.
The broader governance context remains pivotal, as FIFA and UEFA continue to navigate compliance with sanctions and eligibility rules that affect Russia’s participation in continental and global events. The upcoming decision about a potential friendly against Serbia is closely watched by fans and analysts who seek clarity on Russia’s future in international football and the evolving landscape of European competition.
As always, the final call on scheduling and permissions rests with the principal governing bodies, and teams, leagues, and supporters alike await an official confirmation that aligns with the current regulatory framework and the international calendar. The discussion continues to reflect the ongoing effort to balance competitive opportunities with the sanctions and administrative requirements that shape modern football in Europe and beyond. [Source: Tanjug via the Football Federation of Serbia, with contextual summaries by sports observers]”