Russian news agencies reported today, Wednesday, that the Russian Football Federation voted against transferring its membership from Europe to Asia, opting to remain in the European Federation as Moscow seeks to make progress in its relations with UEFA. The International Federation (FIFA) and the European Federation (UEFA) decided in February 2022 to suspend all Russian teams, both at the national and club levels, from participating in their competitions following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow describes as a "special military operation."
The President of the Russian Football Federation, Alexander Dyukov, stated late last year that Russia was considering joining the Asian Football Confederation. Russian news agencies quoted member of the Executive Committee of the Russian Football Federation Mikhail Yershkovich as saying today, "The issue of transitioning to the Asian Football Confederation was discussed. We voted unanimously against this step as there are no guarantees from FIFA." He added, "We decided to continue communications with UEFA, especially with some progress being made. Let's see how the situation develops next year." FIFA and UEFA have eased restrictions on Russian youth teams in recent months.
