January 9 – Russia’s national teams may still be banned from official competition because of the war in Ukraine but the country retains its place at UEFA’s top table.
Alexander Dyukov (pictured), president of the Russian Football Federation, is still a member of UEFA’s executive committee and will head Russia’s delegation at next month’s UEFA Congress in Paris.
Dyukov told the Russian news agency Tass: “We have already approved the list of participants of our delegation.”
Barring any surprises, the RFU should also be represented at the next FIFA annual congress scheduled for May 17 in Bangkok, the first to be held in South-east Asia.
Meanwhile, reports suggest Russia will be granted clearance to play European opposition for the first time since being kicked out of competitive football.
Although the ban prevents Russia from playing in competitive fixtures, they remain free to play friendlies and have so several times, mainly against Asian-based opponents.
But agreement has reportedly now been struck for them to meet Serbia, England’s opening opponents at Euro 2024 next summer, in March.
“The national teams of Russia and Serbia have reached an agreement to hold a friendly match in March 2024,” an RFU post said.
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