Russian Football Union wants to stay in Europe

 

The priority for the Russian Football Union (RFU) is for its national teams and clubs to play in European tournaments, but the organization is considering all possible options, RFU Deputy Secretary General Denis Rogachyov said.

"We have established a Work Group that is engaged in the negotiating process with UEFA and FIFA on Russia’s step-by-step return," Rogachyov said.

"We are now involved in a very complicated negotiating process and also in talks regarding the national team’s participation in the Central Asian Football Federation’s championship in June. We have preserved our corporate rights to be a part of UEFA and FIFA, yet we are holding talks with our colleagues regarding our stage-by-stage return," Rogachyov added.

Last winter, UEFA and FIFA barred Russian clubs and teams from participating in international competitions.