In light of UEFA’s decision to exclude Russia from European competitions, the Russian Football Federation (RFS) is considering joining the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
As Nobel Arustamyan, a Russian sports author, says: “The decision to change from the Russian Football League to the Russian Football Federation (RFS) is being considered.”
In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, FIFA banned the Russian national team from international competitions, and UEFA also banned Russia’s local teams from the Champions League and other European competitions.
On Thursday, a FIFA meeting will likely be held in Qatar, where a choice on long-term penalties against the RFS will likely be made.
For this reason, the RFS is now considering permanently leaving European football, in accordance with Russian journalist Nobel Arustamyan. According to reports (AFC), they’re considering leaving UEFA and joining the Asian Football Confederation.
The Asian Champions League as a substitute of the UEFA Champions League and the AFC Cup as a substitute of the Europa League are suggested alternatives for Russia’s local teams.
If this happens, in accordance with the source, Russia will now not play within the European Championships or World Cup qualifiers in Europe, but quite in Asian competitions. As the article states, this alteration “would ease the situation around Russian football.” Additionally, Russian teams will now not compete within the Champions League and Europa League, but as a substitute within the Asian Champions Cup.
