No one in Spain will regret Russia’s departure from UEFA, Ledyakhov said

Former midfielder of the Russian national team Igor Ledyakhov told RB Sport that no one in Spain would regret the possible withdrawal of the RFU from UEFA.

– I have an opinion that you need to move, if possible. I think that Europe was closed to us for a long time. It’s better to play than not to play at all. This is a way out for us. Another thing is that we must be sure that we will be allowed to participate in the World Cup. This is the main problem. We can move on, and then we will again be banned from playing at the World Cup, ”said Ledyakhov.

— You live in Spain. Have you heard any disappointment or surprise among local fans that Russia can leave UEFA?

No, no one here bothers with this at all. What matters to them is their league. Also England, Italy, France. They are still interested in this. The Russian League almost no one cares.

– If Russia leaves for Asia tomorrow, will no one in Spain notice this?

– Now everyone is so set up that no one will regret it.

– Agree that it would be a shame if in a few months the situation somehow changes, and Russia already leaves UEFA?

I don’t think it’s a matter of a few months. It may not even last for years. The political situation is very difficult.

– It will be hard to rebuild after Spain, Italy to Mongolia, Malaysia.

– Of course. You represent the Champions League in Europe and Asia. But footballers need games. Guys have short lives. They need to play. They can’t wait a year or two for us to open (access to UEFA tournaments). I see only one way out of this situation – to play in Asia. For the guys to progress and participate in international meetings.

The decision on the possible transition of the Russian Football Union (RFU) from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) to the AFC must be announced before December 31, 2022.