A seasoned Italian journalist, Mikael Braga, weighed in on how the exclusion of Russian clubs from international tournaments has touched the overall quality of the Russian domestic championship. His analysis, reported by Euro-Football.Ru, highlights a nuanced view: the league’s level has shown a modest uptick since a prior dip linked to Russian players briefly stepping back from international duties. Braga emphasizes that the rise is about the league as a whole, not about individual stars, and he argues that a return to the international stage would benefit both the clubs and the national team. He notes that friendly matches cannot fully substitute for the experience players gain from competing against top clubs and national teams, and he points out a developing generation that has not yet had the chance to compete on the global stage. He remains hopeful that Russian teams will re-enter major competitions soon, as that exposure is key to long-term growth, tactical refinement, and competitive resilience [citation: Euro-Football.Ru].
In spring 2022, the International Football Federation (FIFA) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) made a sweeping decision to ban the Russian national team and all Russian clubs from participation in events governed by those bodies. This move removed Russia from a broad swath of competitive play, reshaping the trajectory of the sport within the country and altering how players accumulate international experience. The impact extended beyond the field, affecting coaching strategies, player development pipelines, and the financial dynamics surrounding domestic clubs [citation: Euro-Football.Ru].
Following the initial rounds of the season, the Russian Premier League (RPL) finds two clubs sharing the lead position after five rounds: Ural and Krasnodar both sit at the summit with 13 points each. Behind them, Dynamo and Zenit are close, each with 10 points, while CSKA and Spartak trail by a single point. This balance showcases the depth of the league during a period of transition, with teams adapting to the absence of regular international exposure and adjusting squad rotation, recruitment, and tactical plans to maintain competitive momentum [citation: Euro-Football.Ru].
Meanwhile, the former president of the RPL has weighed in on the performance of players who joined foreign leagues, noting that the return of Russian talent to the top European stages could help lift the league’s profile and foster a healthier ecosystem for domestic stars. The discussion touches on how legionnaire players influence domestic competitiveness, marketability, and the development of local prospects. The consensus among observers is that sustained international involvement, even at non-elite levels, tends to raise the technical floor of a league and accelerate the maturation of younger players who dream of stepping onto the world stage [citation: Euro-Football.Ru].
Looking ahead, analysts suggest a phased re-entry strategy that prioritizes competitive integrity, mid-season friendlies with strong opposition, and alignment with international calendar reforms. Such steps could help Russia regain access to important tournaments and qualifiers while maintaining a stable domestic calendar. Supporters argue that a measured return would preserve the league’s growth trajectory, preserve fan engagement, and restore confidence among sponsors and broadcasters who seek consistent, high-quality football across the country [citation: Euro-Football.Ru].