Vladimir Fedotov, the head coach of CSKA, weighed in on the discussion about Russia possibly moving its football governance from UEFA to the AFC. He noted that a formal working group has been set up and stressed that no hasty decisions will be made. The group, according to him, will examine both sides of the issue, carefully weighing the pros and cons. While Russia has long been associated with UEFA, Fedotov made plain his preference for judging the matter on its merits rather than bowing to pressure or expedience, and he expressed a desire for Russia to stay engaged with the European confederation where it has historically had a stake. Source: contemporary sports reporting
Context matters. In the spring of 2022, FIFA and UEFA took the unprecedented step of excluding the Russian national team and all Russian clubs from competitions under their control, a sanction that disrupted every level of play within the country. The fallout stretched through the 2022 calendar year, with CAS ultimately upholding the sanctions after a Russian appeal was rejected in early January. The consequences were stark: domestic clubs and the national team had to navigate a full year without participation in the sport’s top continental stages, a disruption that reshaped strategic planning across clubs, leagues, and youth development programs. Source: contemporary sports reporting
Looking ahead, the potential move to the AFC was originally expected to be resolved by late December 2022. Instead, a mixed working group was formed, uniting representatives from the RFU and UEFA to guide the debate about restoring Russian participation on the largest international stage. This group’s mission is to map a practical path forward, weighing geopolitical considerations, sporting integrity, and the interests of fans, players, and clubs alike. It mirrors a broader trend in global football where national associations must navigate shifting alliances and evolving governance structures while trying to preserve competitive balance and opportunities for growth. Source: contemporary sports reporting
There have also been voices from within the field expressing skepticism about a rapid transition. For instance, Russian midfielder Denis Cheryshev, who has played for various clubs, publicly voiced reservations about relying on a shift to the AFC as a cure-all for the country’s football challenges. His remarks highlight the complexity of the decision and the need for a nuanced, evidence-based discussion that weighs long-term development, league stability, and the readiness of national teams to compete at the highest levels. The overall sentiment among players and officials is that any structural change must be guided by clear criteria, robust governance, and a clear pathway for return to international competition should sanctions ease and conditions permit. Source: contemporary sports reporting