Maxim Mitrofanov, Secretary General of the Russian Football Union (RFU), hopes that the Russian team will be able to take part in the 2026 World Cup qualification. The RFU is negotiating this issue with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). His words are quoted by Sport-Express.
“Negotiations with UEFA are ongoing, until they are over I have no right to comment. There is no deadline. The draw for the European path will take place at the end of 2024. Hope dies last,” – said the Secretary General of the RFU.
Maxim Mitrofanov pointed out that the situation would improve if FIFA lifted the previously imposed bans.
“Hope would probably rise if the bans were lifted from us. However, the bans, primarily from FIFA, have not been lifted. To say that the situation has become easier – at the very least lieMitrofanov said.
He added that the RFU and UEFA continue to cooperate, despite the non-admission of Russian clubs and teams to international tournaments.
“The full scope of cooperation with UEFA and the full scope of membership, except for the participation of our clubs and teams in international competitions, has been preserved,” Maxim Mitrofanov noted.
Also, the Secretary General of the RFU pointed out that the national team will be able to participate in Asian tournaments, but not be selected through them for the World Cup.
“We can play inside Asian competitions, but not qualify for the World Cup through them. Why? We, including the time frame, did not leave UEFA. We must first leave UEFA”he said.
The 2026 World Cup will take place in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
