Former Zenit head coach Vlastimil Petrzhela weighed in on Russia’s prospects in international tournaments amid ongoing bans. He suggested that Russia’s return to UEFA competitions hinges largely on political developments at the highest level. If the current situation remains unchanged, European leagues and tournaments are unlikely to welcome Russian teams back anytime soon. Petrzhela warned that Asia could become the only feasible path for Russian clubs and even then, there are no guarantees of a smooth reintegration into continental football. The comments capture a broader sentiment that European football governing bodies would be hesitant to reverse the expulsion given the geopolitical climate.
Historically, FIFA and UEFA decided to suspend Russia’s national team and all clubs from competitions organized by these bodies. That decision left the national team without official fixtures for the foreseeable future and halted Russian club participation in European cups for the 2022 season. In the 2021 World Cup qualifying campaign in Qatar, the Russian squad, led by Valery Karpin, finished second in their group after a narrow 0-1 defeat to Croatia in the final qualifying match.
In domestic competition, Russian clubs faced significant disruption. Beyond Zenit, no team represented Russia in European tournaments during 2022, as the country’s clubs encountered early exits and heavy travel restrictions. Zenit Saint Petersburg did reach the 1/16 finals of the Europa League, where they were eliminated by Real Betis in a two-legged tie with an aggregate score of 3-2. The broader impact of the bans has been a difficult period for Russian football, with lingering questions about when and how clubs might resume participation in European football.
Former sports commentator Dmitry Guberniev has stated that no immediate European competition opportunities are expected for Russia, underscoring the uncertain horizon facing Russian football clubs and players. The situation remains fluid, with political, sporting, and organizational factors all influencing potential reentry into European competition. Analysts and fans alike monitor ongoing developments, recognizing that any change would require coordinated actions from football authorities and state actors alike. Attribution: Rating bookmakers.