Athletistic / Football. Russian Football Union (RFU) Secretary General Maxim Mitrofanov spoke about negotiations on organizing a friendly match between the national teams of Russia and Zambia.
“We read the news and we ask ourselves: Zambia are in the Africa Cup of Nations and are playing six matches. When are they going to have a friendly match?
We offered to discuss the possibility of organizing a friendly match to countries that have windows this fall, including Zambia. But we never received a response from Zambia to our letter. We are not negotiating. Maybe they are negotiating with themselves? It is difficult for me to comment on that.
“We are open to dialogue with all countries – if they want to play with us, we are happy. Now we must seize all opportunities, and not refuse,” Mitrofanov was quoted as saying by Sport-Express.
Since the end of February 2022, Russia has not participated in tournaments under the auspices of FIFA and UEFA due to the holding of the SVO in Ukraine. On 26 September 2023, the UEFA Executive Committee decided to allow Russian national teams consisting of footballers and under-17 footballers to participate in their competitions. All matches of Russian teams must be played without the flag, anthem and national uniform of the country and on a neutral ground. However, this return has not yet taken place.
It is worth noting that in this context, the RFU has been considering the possibility of joining the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for two consecutive years, but has so far decided to remain under UEFA’s jurisdiction.
Source: Sport
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