Russia's Football Union considers transfer after UEFA sanctions: 'Death of Russian football'
Created: 05/04/2022, 17:10
By: Antonio Jose Riether
UEFA recently tightened sanctions against the Russian Football Union.
This is now dealing with a change of confederations.
Moscow - Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is having an impact on top-class sport.
The European football union UEFA decided on numerous sanctions against the Russian football association RFS, which is now apparently discussing a move to the Asian confederation.
Ukraine war: UEFA imposes tough sanctions on Russia - no future EM events
After the withdrawn Champions League final, which should have been held in Saint Petersburg, UEFA continued on Monday in view of the development of the conflict.
All national teams and clubs were excluded from the respective competitions.
As a result, the men's Russian national team does not take part in the Nations League, and the women are not allowed to take part in the European Championships, which will be held in England this year.
This also applies to all European club competitions for men and women, such as the Champions League or the Europa League.
Youth national teams are also affected by the sanction.
The tightened sanctions against the RFS also stipulate that Russia is not allowed to apply to host the European Football Championship in 2028 and 2032.
In 2018 the country had hosted the soccer World Cup, in 2021 Saint Petersburg was also a venue for the intercontinental European Championship.
One of the UEFA sanctions: the Russian men's national team will not take part in the next edition of the Nations League.
© Alexander Demianchuk/imago-images
Ukraine war: Politicians and ex-professionals are in favor of a change of federation - but there is also criticism
"I think the time has come to seriously consider moving to the Asian Football Union," State Duma deputy Dmitry Pirog was quoted as saying on Tuesday by state sports broadcaster
Match TV
.
The former boxing world champion explained the association's move with the lack of clarity about the duration of the exclusion of the Russian teams.
"Recognized European coaches have been working there for a long time and are playing strong legionnaires," he also said of the development of football in Asia.
For weeks there have been mental games behind the scenes of the association, reports Russian sports journalist Nobel Arustamian.
Ex-Russian international Vladimir Bystrow agreed to the project, but only if the association was unable to come to an agreement with UEFA in the long term.
"If we are not allowed to play in UEFA tournaments in the next five years, then we will have to look for other development paths and maybe go to the Asian football market," the 38-year-old also told
Match TV
.
But there are also critical voices against the possible change of association.
Former RFS President Vyacheslav Koloskov found clear words.
"Personally, I am strictly against such a move because it means the final death of Russian football and we will never return to the European family," Koloskov warned.
If Russia were to leave UEFA, it would fall back into second division.
(ajr)