Russian football is eyeing Asia – Sport – Kommersant

A meeting of the executive committee of the Russian Football Union (RFU) was held in Moscow, at which the possibility of moving to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) was discussed. This decision must be made by December 31st.

The results of the meeting of the Executive Committee of the RFU, which took place today in the House of Football on Taganka, were expected with great interest. After all, they considered the issue of the transfer of the RFU from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), which imposed a ban on the performance of Russian teams and clubs, to the Asian Football Confederation. The possibility of such an option has been discussed in Russian football for several months. The intrigue has been preserved to this day, since a final decision on this matter has not yet been made.

However, according to the results of the briefing by RFU President Alexander Dyukov, there was a strong feeling that Russian football would nevertheless join the Asian family, which, compared to the European family, is not so rich, but is more friendly towards it.

Apparently, the leaders of Russian football understand that this is the case when there is no good solution. But you still have to look for it, because, according to Mr. Dyukov, “this issue will have an impact on how Russian football will develop in the future, at least in the next ten years.” Plus, they are running out of time. The fact is that if a decision is made to transfer, the RFU must first leave UEFA. Withdrawal from this organization is possible in the summer, following the results of the financial year corresponding to the autumn-spring system, but the notice must be submitted at least six months in advance, that is, before December 31. Otherwise, the Russian team, which will definitely miss the European Championships in 2024, will almost certainly not have time to get to the next World Championships scheduled for 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico (At the moment, all Russian athletes are deprived of the opportunity to compete at the World and European Championships for Olympic sports).

From the words of Alexander Dyukov, it follows that in order to join the AFC, you need to submit an application and submit a package of documents, including a letter stating that UEFA is not against changing the confederation by this national association. The decision on the admission of new members of the AFC is made at a meeting of its congress. For this to happen, more than half of the 47 associations present must give the go-ahead. “Naturally, no one is ready to give a written guarantee that we will be accepted, but they are ready to consider our appeal, and the probability of accepting us is more than high,” TASS quotes the President of the RFU. “A majority of votes is needed. With regard to FIFA, the issue of changing the confederation does not apply to FIFA, but informal consent will be needed. We have information that FIFA will not object.”

One of the key issues that will have to be addressed when the RFU moves to the AFC will be the formation of an internal calendar, primarily the Russian Premier League (RPL).

After all, flights from the European part of Russia, which is represented by almost all RPL clubs, to Asia to participate in continental club tournaments are longer in time. In addition, it is possible that they will require additional financial costs, although teams participating in the AFC Champions League are provided with subsidies for flights – from $30,000 to $90,000, depending on the stage of the tournament. At the same time, Russian clubs will obviously not need to constantly fly to the countries of the Pacific region: the participants of the AFC Champions League are divided into two divisions, formed according to a geographical principle – East and West, and their two strongest representatives meet only in the final.

Prize money in the Asian Champions League is an order of magnitude lower than in Europe. The winner of its last edition, Al-Hilal, from Saudi Arabia, received $4 million, about ten times less than Zenit earned in the previous UEFA Champions League, not advancing the group stage. Nevertheless, Alexander Dyukov claims that without exception, all RPL clubs are in favor of moving to the AFC, provided that it takes place. “Half of the clubs agree to move without discussion,” he said.

“The decision to move is not easy and ambiguous. All our fans know European clubs even in the third tier. Yes, there are other commercial incomes. Of course, there are losses, but it is important for everyone to play. If we don’t play, then the dream will be lost,” the head of Russian football believes.

The final decision of the RFU regarding the transition to the AFC will be announced on Tuesday, December 27.

Evgeny Fedyakov