Former Russian national football player Andrei Kanchelskis commented on the decision of the Russian Football Union (RFU) to refuse to join the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and remain in the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).

At a meeting on Wednesday, the RFU Executive Committee almost unanimously decided to remain in UEFA.

– Let them sit and wait. If they voted, it means they know something. I don’t know if this is the right decision. Moving to Asia means increased costs and longer flights. As long as we get used to it, as long as there is something else, during this time we will be allowed into Europe.

— What awaits Russian football in the coming year?

– Never mind! We are already missing two cycles: the European and World Championships. It seems to me that no one wants to change anything now. We’ll wait, but time is ticking. Officials, of course, don’t care, but for the players it’s a big loss. Everyone wants to play in international competitions. Some won’t play at all.

— Can a great football player grow up in such conditions?

– No, it won’t grow. The World Cup, European Championship, Champions League is a great experience. Football players are progressing! Playing in the same championship all the time, of course, they will not grow. Some people don’t want change. Change means delving into the Asian mentality; going to the federation is very difficult. Why should we go there? They have their own kitchen there, we have ours here. You can’t do anything, you’ll have to wait,” Metaratings.ru quotes Kanchelskis.

At the end of February 2022, FIFA and UEFA suspended Russian national teams and clubs from participating in international tournaments due to the situation in Ukraine.