A former Lokomotiv goalkeeper, Alexei Polyakov, has warned that the standard of Russian football has declined after teams and the national side were barred from international competition. His assessment is shared by many observers who follow the sport closely. Polyakov argues that the interruption to international play has left the goalkeeper school under strain, with fewer high‑level challenges to sharpen skills and a lack of competitive pressure across European cups. According to him, the current generation of Russian shot‑stoppers is not yet ready to contend in major European championships, and there is a sense that this group should focus on domestic competitions for now to rebuild foundations and trust in their abilities. This perspective appears in the broader debate about the health of Russian football amid extended sanctions and isolation from the global calendar. [Attribution: Polyakov remarks and public commentary on Russian football]
In 2022, the global governing body of football, FIFA, together with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), decided to suspend Russia from all competition governed by these bodies. This move affected both clubs and the national team, removing the possibility of participation in European tournaments and depriving players of regular exposure to top‑tier opponents. The suspension status significantly reshaped the domestic game, reducing the number of high‑level matchups and delaying opportunities for players to showcase their talents on a continental stage. [Attribution: FIFA and UEFA suspension decision]
During the 2022 season, clubs from Russia other than Zenit finished without matches in European cups, while the national team, under the management of Valery Karpin, played a modest slate of six friendly fixtures in 2023. The discussion about potentially realigning with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) began in late 2022, as stakeholders explored pathways to maintain competitive integrity and international engagement for Russian football. The consideration reflects a broader trend of regional recalibration in global football and the quest to rediscover regular, meaningful competitions for Russian teams and players. [Attribution: 2022–2023 competition status and AFC discussions]
Earlier statements from figures within the sport have also touched on sanctions and their consequences. Some public commentary noted that sanctions have complicated the experience for players seeking to compete at the highest levels in Europe, underscoring the need for strategic planning within Russian football to rebuild depth in key positions such as goalkeeping. The overall message emphasizes resilience, continued development in the domestic league, and renewed focus on nurturing homegrown talent to restore competitiveness over time. [Attribution: broader sanctions impact analysis]