Russia Considers Move from UEFA to AFC Following EU Sanctions
After being hit by European sanctions, Russia’s Football Federation is mulling a move to the Asian Conference at the behest of leaving UEFA. Following the invasion of Ukraine, Russia has been hit by sanctions across a multitude of different government departments. Unsurprisingly, these sanctions have hit key sporting federations operating across Europe – these bodies have for a long while been on precarious terms with Russia, but following the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine at the beginning of this year has proven to be a step too far, and so the football world must take action.
The Russian Federation is considering leaving UEFA and joining the AFC, this is following a series of statements released from the European football governing body that they would be taking action against the Russians in response to the war in Ukraine. ©jarmoluk/Pixabay
Russia is considering breaking a long-time partnership with UEFA as the looking threat of European sanctions against their involvement in international institutions begins to become real. The war in Ukraine has sent shockwaves across the world, leading to concerns over energy supplies from the far east, and over-concentration of Russian funding in European politics, lack of rigorous security around key digital infrastructure, and indeed the freedom for Russia to participate in the biggest and best sporting institutions.
The feeling in Russia is completely mutual, and the politicians that have the power to decide on the future course of the country’s football association have already show their hand on this question. The questions centers around the membership of UEFA, the central authority for all European football, and organizer of the competitions EURO on an international level, and the Champions League on a domestic level. State-owned sports broadcaster the Match TV showed a member of Russian parliament, Dmitry Pirog saying that the time may have come for Russia to leave the UEFA setup.
Currently, as pointed out by Pirog, the Russian national team and all Russian domestic clubs have been suspended from competing in UEFA managed competitions. No indication has yet been made as to when the country will once again be allowed to participate, so as such the national director of football in Russia has indicated the country may completely disregard a future with UEFA now as a possibility, and rather just focus on the opportunity ahead of themselves with the AFC. Working within the AFC could potentially mean a huge windfall of new match play and revenue generation opportunities for Russia.
UEFA Steps Up Sanctions Against Russia Amidst Ukraine Invasion
In an attempt to try to dissuade Russia’s military conquests across Ukraine, the European Union has been ramping up its financial sanctions against the nation. The sanctions are severe and far-reaching, and the scope of these measures includes UEFA banning Russia from participation or bidding on being a host nation for the EURO 2028, and EURO 2032. Also, the Russian football federation will be banned from the women’s EUROs taking place this summer. The Nations League, an ongoing league tournament between European nations has also indicated that Russia would be banned from participation.
A major driving force in the decision is the obstruction Russia now faces when it comes to competing in any meaningful European elite sports. They have been completely shunned by the international community, and following a series of aggressive acts across the Eastern regions of Ukraine and beyond, it is unlikely their membership status within these organizations is likely to be reinstated anytime soon. Making this decision slightly easier for the Russians, is the fact that the AFC has already become the home for a lot of renowned European coaches, thus demonstrating the growing quality of these leagues.
It is particularly rare for countries to change federations, the rarity of the security circumstances that have led to Russia having to leave UEFA and join the AFC is not something that can be overlooked. There are many reasons why these countries have decided to establish themselves in such a way, but switching confederations in such an abrupt fashion is far from common practice. Whilst it is rare for this to happen, it would certainly not be the first time in history that this has taken place.
Two examples from the past where a country has switched its international federation in football are Australia and Israel. In 2006, Australia decided that it would move from Oceania to Asia. Back in the 1990’s, Israel switched from UEFA to the AFC. So in effect, Russia would be following the footsteps of Israel here by switching away from UEFA for the AFC, which in the words of Russian Football Federation would be the death of Russian football.
