Russia consider leaving Uefa after invite to Asian competition

03/14/2023

AFC and Cafa did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Regional competitions, such as the Copa America in South America, often invite guest countries from outside the federation to tournaments.

The Russian Under-17 women’s team will participate in the South Asian Football Federation (Saff) Championship from March 20 to 28.

Switching from the Uefa to Asia’s 47-nation confederation had been touted by RFU chief Aleksander Dyukov as a possible option to allow the Russian national teams and clubs continued international competition.

The men’s team played three friendlies last year, against Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. They are scheduled to face Iran and Iraq this month.

Most international sports federations have excluded athletes from Russia and its ally Belarus since the invasion of Ukraine, but some are now starting to allow them back into competition.

Russia consider leaving Uefa after invite to Asian competition

Recommended