RFU Expects Comeback to UEFA Competitions
Sport
Russian football could return to European competitions as early as next year, with the Russian Football Union planning talks with UEFA in January 2026.
Russian Football Union President Alexander Dyukov said he is confident that Russian clubs and national teams will be able to return to European competitions next year. According to him, the RFU intends to hold substantive discussions with UEFA in January 2026.
A key positive signal came from FIFA, which decided to lift the suspension on Russia’s under-17 teams from international competitions. This move is seen as an important step toward Russia’s gradual return to the international football scene.
Dyukov noted that UEFA had previously considered two options: fully lifting the ban or finding a technical solution to allow Russian teams to compete. While neither option has yet been implemented, the RFU hopes that recommendations from the International Olympic Committee will make it possible to include Russian teams in groups at the next draw.
The RFU also discussed IOC recommendations with FIFA this month, although December was described as an unfavorable time for detailed negotiations. Nevertheless, both FIFA and UEFA reportedly view the IOC’s position positively, despite its non-binding nature.
A key positive signal came from FIFA, which decided to lift the suspension on Russia’s under-17 teams from international competitions. This move is seen as an important step toward Russia’s gradual return to the international football scene.
Dyukov noted that UEFA had previously considered two options: fully lifting the ban or finding a technical solution to allow Russian teams to compete. While neither option has yet been implemented, the RFU hopes that recommendations from the International Olympic Committee will make it possible to include Russian teams in groups at the next draw.
The RFU also discussed IOC recommendations with FIFA this month, although December was described as an unfavorable time for detailed negotiations. Nevertheless, both FIFA and UEFA reportedly view the IOC’s position positively, despite its non-binding nature.
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