“The issue regarding Asia was not closed, but only postponed” – Kommersant FM
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The Russian Football Union summed up the results of the year. In particular, the executive committee decided to remain in UEFA. After the meeting, the head of the RFU, Alexander Dyukov, met with representatives of the press. Kommersant FM sports commentator Vladimir Osipov also visited there.
The news that the RFU decided not to join the Asian Football Confederation and remain in UEFA leaked to the media even before the end of the executive committee meeting. But, as it turned out, everything is not so simple, and RFU President Alexander Dyukov explained during a meeting with journalists that the Russian Football Union still has the opportunity to leave Europe:
“The option of a possible change of confederation still remains, since it is important for us that our clubs and national teams participate in official tournaments.”
So the issue regarding Asia was not closed, but only postponed, although it is already clear that leaving UEFA for our football union would, to put it mildly, be a last resort. And this time the officials are acting correctly. This is recognized even by those who have repeatedly criticized the RFU. One of them is football manager Yuri Belous: “I have been to AFC competitions several times and I can say that this spectacle is not for the faint of heart. Naturally, there is a crazy legacy of the World Cup, but everything else is quiet horror. Moving to the Asian Football Confederation will mean moving not one, but ten steps lower.”
In addition, FIFA does not guarantee that after moving to Asia, Russian clubs and the national team will begin to play. It was their absence that influenced the RFU’s decision not to rush into this option. Nobody understands how long we will have to wait for mercy from UEFA. It was not possible to get a clear answer from the head of the RFU about the possible development of events, even if the SVO ends tomorrow. In addition, Mr. Dyukov is confident that the ban of clubs and the national team cannot be considered a tragedy of our football:
“I don’t see any crisis. Of course, it is important for us to play, and our national team and clubs hold international matches. Yes, they are friendly, but I wouldn’t be dramatic. The national team is functioning, matches are being held, players are gaining experience in international matches. Fans are interested in such meetings.”
Alexander Dyukov noted that junior teams have been allowed to participate in international tournaments and, it seems, should take part in the draw in the near future. But the RFU doesn’t know what to do if other European countries boycott matches with our juniors. But they have no doubt that UEFA officials are trying to help Russian football return.
From the outside it seems different, but, as they say, everyone is mistaken to the best of their ability. There is no point in counting on the return of clubs and the national team to international tournaments in the near future, until 2026 for sure. Therefore, we are waiting for another friendly match, this time with the Serbian team, in March 2024. The game is planned to be held in St. Petersburg. The next opponent will presumably be Belarus.
Everything is clear with us – Telegram channel “Kommersant FM”.
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