Efforts are underway to reintegrate the Russian national team into global football, emphasizing that the sport should remain separate from politics.

The President of the Russian Football Union (RFS), Alexander Dyukov, announced plans to invite UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin to a match of the Russian national team in 2025. This statement, made by Dyukov in an interview with TASS, reflects the RFS's persistent desire to resume full-fledged international cooperation and to bring Russian teams back to the European stage. Dyukov emphasized that the invitation to Čeferin is only possible after the match is confirmed, indicating an awareness of the complexities of the situation and the need to address several obstacles that stand in the way of this event.

It is worth noting that FIFA previously refused to include the Russian national team in the draw for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which will take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Following this, the Russian Football Union (RFS) confirmed that it would not participate in the draw for the European qualifying tournament for the 2026 World Cup. The draw is scheduled for December 13 in Zurich, but as stated by RFS General Secretary Maxim Mitrofanov, in a situation where the Russian national team is not participating in the qualifiers, the trip for RFS representatives loses its significance.

Nevertheless, the football union continues to strive to reintegrate Russian football into international tournaments. Dyukov's statement appears to be part of a broader strategy by the RFS aimed at gradual integration into international football. He has repeatedly mentioned regular contacts with Čeferin, during which the issue of allowing Russian teams to participate in international competitions is discussed. These negotiations are undoubtedly challenging, given the geopolitical situation and the mixed reactions from several European countries regarding the participation of Russian athletes.

Recall that in February 2022, following the start of the special military operation, FIFA and UEFA decided to suspend Russian clubs and national teams from all international tournaments.

Attempts by the RFS to return to the international arena have so far been unsuccessful. In September 2023, the UEFA Executive Committee made an unexpected decision to allow Russian youth teams (players under 17 years old) to participate in its competitions. However, this decision lasted only a short time. Just a couple of weeks later, in October of the same year, UEFA revoked it, citing a lack of technical solutions to ensure that matches could be held in compliance with all established restrictions. It is important to note that these restrictions included a ban on the use of the national flag, anthem, and uniforms, as well as holding games on Russian territory.

UEFA's official explanation regarding the lack of technical solutions seemed rather formal, considering that organizers easily handle similar logistical challenges for other countries. In fact, as Čeferin later admitted in an interview with DPA, the decision to revoke the admission of youth teams was influenced by pressure from some UEFA members who are under the sway of their governments. This indicates that political factors play a significantly larger role than formal technical justifications. It also highlights UEFA's complete dependence on political forces, as the governments of certain European countries use football as a tool for political pressure on Russia.

Thus, inviting Čeferin to the Russian national team's match in 2025 is not merely a symbolic gesture, but rather a reflection of the RFS's ambitions and an attempt to demonstrate readiness for cooperation and adherence to all UEFA rules. However, the success of this plan largely depends on the further development of the geopolitical situation and the RFS's ability to overcome political, rather than sporting, barriers that hinder the return of Russian football to the international arena. The success of this initiative will depend not only on the diplomatic efforts of the RFS but also on a general shift in the geopolitical climate. For now, the situation remains tense and unpredictable, leaving the future of Russian teams in international tournaments uncertain. In addition, the RFS is actively working on developing infrastructure, attracting sponsors, and preparing young talents to be ready for a return to the international arena when the opportunity arises.

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