MOSCOW, 30 Mar – President of the Russian Football Union (RFU) Alexander Dyukov said that the organization aims to return to Europe, but retains the option of moving to Asia.

In February 2022, the International Football Federation (FIFA) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) issued a joint statement, according to which Russian teams and clubs are suspended from participation in all international competitions for an indefinite period.

In December, the RFU discussed a possible transition of the organization to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). At the same time, together with UEFA, it was decided to create a working group, the purpose of which is to develop a roadmap for the speedy return of Russian teams to international tournaments. On March 26, Dyukov said that the possibility of moving to the AFC still exists.

“The issue of Asia was not on the agenda of the executive committee. It was clear that it was premature to put it on the agenda. We wanted to reach the road map agreed with UEFA and FIFA by April 1, but these were tentative dates. It is not important for us to decide by April 1 and make any decision. The main thing is to resolve the issue of the earliest possible return of our teams to international matches, the most important task is participation in the selection for the next World Cup. The working group has been formed, meets and works regularly. UEFA is simultaneously consulting with the IOC, they are also participants in the process. There is some progress, but we agreed with UEFA that we do not comment on the preliminary results. When we agree or do not agree, we will make a joint statement,” the head of the RFU said.

“The negotiation process is underway, we are moving forward in search of some solution. The next meeting will be on the sidelines of the UEFA Congress next week. It is clear that the issue will not be considered at the Congress itself, but we will discuss it on the sidelines. We hope that we will move on and we will understand when we return to international and European competitions,” Dyukov concluded.