The Union of European Football Associations has refreshed the country coefficients table, outlining how nations rank based on the performance of their clubs over the last five seasons. The updated standings reflect ongoing shifts in European club football and how results from recent campaigns influence future opportunities in continental competition. (Source: UEFA)
In this recalibration, Russia’s national team has dropped to 23rd place in the rankings, marking a historic low. This move comes as the country has not had clubs participate in European tournaments since 2022, intensifying the impact of long-term absences on the national standings. The shift underscores the evolving landscape of football in the region and how sanctions and competitive gaps translate into position changes on the table. (Source: UEFA)
For context, it is recalled that the international bodies, FIFA and the European confederation UEFA, decided last year to exclude the Russian national team and all Russian clubs from events and competitions governed by these organizations. The exclusion has broad implications for national development programs, youth pathways, and the overall depth of the domestic game. (Source: FIFA & UEFA)
As part of the preparatory phase, the Russian national team is scheduled to play two friendly matches. One match is set against Iran in Tehran on March 23, while the other is a meeting with the Iraqi national team in Saint Petersburg. These fixtures are intended to provide competitive exposure amid a disrupted calendar, helping the squad assess current form and integrate players ahead of future assignments. (Source: national federation announcements)
Meanwhile, commentary from Moscow’s Spartak Moscow veteran Evgeny Lovchev has surfaced in recent reports. He suggested that a core group of red-white players and selections from Saint Petersburg were involved, noting that only a couple of players from Zenit were called into the broader pool. The remarks reflect the ongoing discussions within Russian football about squad selection and the balance between established stars and emerging talents. (Source: press coverage)