"There are no guarantees": Russia refused to leave UEFA and move to Asia

The Russian Football Union (RFU) has refused to consider leaving the European Football Union (UEFA) and moving to Asia. Representatives of the aggressor country decided that such a step carries huge risks as there are no guarantees of participation in international competitions.

This decision was made by the executive committee of the Russian Federation, Championship.com writes. The leaders of the Russian Federation complained that the International Football Federation (FIFA) does not guarantee the performance of teams from Russia in the tournaments of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the qualifying tournament for the 2026 World Cup.

It is noted that the RFU "will continue its attempts to return to international competitions through the European continent and UEFA". Thus, the Russians have finally abandoned the idea of joining the AFC in the face of tournament suspensions after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Earlier, UEFA did not include the Russian national team in the new Nations League draw, which will be one of the stages of qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Former Russian Prime Minister Sergei Stepashin called UEFA and FIFA's decision to exclude Russians from international tournaments a humiliation.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused UEFA of discrimination after the Russian national team was banned from the new Nations League draw.

Only verified information on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!