You got kicked out of Europe? Russia considers leaving UEFA and joining AFC

[스포츠서울 | 박준범기자] The possibility of Russia’s incorporation into Asia has been raised.

British media ‘Daily Mail’ reported on the 30th (Korean time) that ‘Russian Football Association is considering leaving the European Football Federation (UEFA) and joining the Asian Football Federation (AFC)’.

The aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine extended to the football world as well. UEFA and FIFA banned Russia from participating in international competitions last month. Poland, which was scheduled to play the European playoffs of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, was given a ‘bye’ with Russia. Also, Russian league clubs will be banned from playing in the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League indefinitely.

The Daily Mail predicted that Russia could join the AFC through several past cases. In 2002, Kazakhstan joined UEFA after leaving AFC, and Australia joined the AFC after leaving Oceania in 2005. Of course, the cases in Kazakhstan, Australia and Russia are clearly different. Russia has been disciplined by UEFA and FIFA. If AFC accepts Russia’s transfer, the Russian club team will participate in the Asian Champions League, and the Russian national team will be able to participate in the Asian World Cup qualifiers.
beom2@sportsseoul.com