The Russian Football Union is considering joining the Asian Confederation, according to Alexander Dyukov, Chairman of the Board of Directors, in a statement reported by international media.
Since the start of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis last February, Russian sports have been subjected to several penalties, most notably the exclusion of clubs from continental championships and the national team from participating in international and continental competitions.
And the Russian news agency “Ria Novosti” revealed that Alexander Dyukov, President of the Russian Football Union, confirmed that joining the AFC is a possibility, saying, “Several months ago, I used to say that joining Asia is a small matter, but now I see it as an opportunity that must be considered.”
Dyukov added, “I did not speak with any of the representatives of Asia because the European Union still sees us as part of the European family, and it is inappropriate for me to enter into negotiations behind their backs.”