On March 2, Beijing time, the well-known Russian media "gol.ru" revealed that in order to play international matches, Russia may apply to consider leaving UEFA and joining the AFC. Russian media believe that after being banned from all its matches by UEFA, the only chance for the future of Russian football is to go to Asia to join the AFC.
Previously, FIFA and UEFA have issued a joint statement banning the Russian national team and clubs from participating in any competition under their umbrella. And in this case, it may last for a long time. The only theoretical possibility for Russian football to participate in official international competitions and stay in the football ecosystem in the future is to join the AFC.
Russian media said that such an operation is fully possible. UEFA, which has sanctions on it, will not refuse or even very happy with Russia's withdrawal, and the AFC is also ready for the addition of new members. More than 10 years ago, the AFC welcomed the Australian Football Association. Russia can also apply to join the AFC on the grounds of geographical location.
Compared with the hostility of most other countries in Europe, most countries in Asia still maintain a relatively restrained attitude towards Russia, and there is only one country like Japan that has a hard-line attitude toward Russia. Especially China, Russia and China have a close relationship. Another advantage is that Russia has convenient transportation with some Asian countries, and the team has little problem.
Due to fifa and UEFA's ban on Russia, the Russian men's football team has confirmed that it will not be able to participate in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. But if the AFC allows, they have every chance to participate in the 2023 Asian Cup. In addition, Russia can participate in the Asian Cup and regional competitions, such as the East Asian Cup, the Gulf Cup, etc. The addition of the Russian men's football team, ranked 35th in the world, has undoubtedly greatly improved the quality of the Asian Cup. After all, in the World Cup in Russia 4 years ago, the Saudi team, which is the strongest team in Asia, was once beaten 0-5 by the Russian men's football team.
Russian media bluntly said that although the level of the Asian Cup and the AFC Champions League is much lower than that of the European Cup, the Champions League and other competitions, for now, Russia has the opportunity to participate in official continental competitions, which is much better than not participating in anything.