Russia have been left out in the footballing wilderness since February, following the country\u2019s invasion of Ukraine being met with unified western opposition. FIFA took the unprecedented step of suspending the nation\u2019s football federation indefinitely, curtailing their hopes of World Cup qualification via the UEFA playoffs in March.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ever since, they\u2019ve wandered the international footballing scene as a pariah state, shirked by much of the world, afraid of the consequences of even acknowledging the football of a national aggressor. However, in recent months, Russia have sought solace in Asia, a political ally turned footballing bailout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Russia continues to benefit from strong or at the very least sympathetic bonds with large parts of Asia. Politically, Russia and China remain two significant global powers in lockstep, while on a footballing level, their former Soviet Union cousins in Central Asia have already provided international match practice, with friendlies against Iran and India being reportedly lined up for the new year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inevitably then, the prospect that Russia\u2019s footballing future may lie in Asia, has started to gain traction with every given month of isolation within Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s fast becoming the daily subject of discussion within the Russian media: \u201cshould Russia join the AFC?\u201d<\/em>, posed to any pundit or former player in front of a microphone, with little to distract an audience growingly envious of the World Cup thrust before them incessantly over the last month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Opinion is duly split at home as to whether joining the AFC is the best way forward, however. Views ocellate between those that consider Asia a significant drop down from Europe in playing quality, to those who share the view of national coach Valery Karpin, who desperately seek competitive play over the medium term; irrespective of the level of competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While Asia\u2019s monumental showing at the World Cup has undoubtedly changed some views back in Russia, lacklustre friendly matches over the last few months haven\u2019t exactly got regular punters\u2019 pulses racing at the thought of joining Asian football.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A narrow victory against Kyrgyzstan, alongside goalless draws with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, may have illustrated a closing field between Europe and Asia, but many have put this solely down to a national team merely drowning in inaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That inaction is starting to change the mood around Russian football though. In an interview ahead of the World Cup, Russian Football Union (RFU) president Alexander Dyukov admitted that what once was seen as barely an option, is now very much seen to be a viable solution on the table given to escape this bleak limbo state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA few months ago, I said that Asia is untimely and premature. But for now, this is a possibility that we must consider. The RFU will discuss the transition to the Asian Confederation at the next meeting of the executive committee.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n That meeting is due to take place later this week, with the proposal set to lay out the various advantages and drawbacks of moving confederations at this point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.theasiangame.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Russia.jpg?resize=1024%2C579&ssl=1\")
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