Russian Football Union Votes Against Transition to Asian Football Confederation

The Russian Football Union has voted against changing the membership of the country's football federation from the European Football Confederation to Asia, deciding to remain in the European Football Union with an eye on improving relations with UEFA. In February 2023, FIFA and UEFA decided to suspend all Russian teams, both national and club, from participating in their competitions due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Alexander Dyukov, the head of the Russian Football Union, stated late last year that Russia was considering joining the Asian Football Confederation. However, on Wednesday, December 20, the Russian news agency RIA reported, citing Mikhail Gershkovich, a member of the country's football union, that the issue of transitioning to the Asian Football Confederation was discussed, and they unanimously voted against it due to the lack of guarantees from FIFA. He added, 'We have decided to continue our communications with UEFA, especially since improvements have occurred.' UEFA announced in September that 'children should not be punished for actions that are solely the responsibility of adults.' FIFA also lifted the complete ban on Russia's participation in international football by allowing under-17 boys' and girls' teams to compete, provided they play under the name 'Football Union of Russia' and in neutral colors without the national flag, anthem, and national team uniforms. However, UEFA later abandoned the plan to reinstate Russia's under-17 teams in European competitions. The consequences of the military invasion of Ukraine include sanctions on the banking system, sports, and Russian vodka, as well as the possibility of issuing permits for foreign players in the Russian football league to play in other countries. Russia is emerging from its football isolation, and the Badminton World Federation has suspended the membership of the Russian Federation.