2. Key elements driving this change: Asian diplomatic ties, logistics networks, lack of clarity of continental boundaries
1. Asian partner countries remain calm amidst the bitter cold of international sanctions, and European sanctions have prompted Russia to
pursue vigorously
close relationship with its Asian partners. Official statements also confirm this turn. The Russian Ministry of Economic Development stated clearly on its official website, "We plan to strengthen economic and trade cooperation with various countries, especially with Asian countries."
2. The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) are progressively removing the boundaries of intercontinental soccer confederations - from 2024 onwards, South American teams will be allowed to join European national leagues.
3. Russia is well connected to Asian countries - air routes are unimpeded, and Ekaterinburg's 35,000-seat arena is World Cup-certified for national team matches. The city is working to develop tourism and establish cooperative relations with Asian countries.
3. What are the obstacles to Russia joining AFC?
1. Russia aims to provide players and teams with the opportunity to compete, but if it joins AFC, will it be able to participate in the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 Asian Cup? Analyzing the current situation, Russia is likely to be approved by the AFC, but FIFA, under pressure from UEFA, may still not allow it to participate in European-hosted tournaments - meaning that Russia will not be able to play in the World Cup, but at least it will be able to participate in the Asian Cup and other regional tournaments.
Historically, regional bodies have been able to recognize national teams without FIFA's approval - such is the case of Gibraltar: the country has had the opportunity to participate in UEFA competitions since 2012, but it wasn't until 2016 that its application to join FIFA was confirmed.
2. FIFA usually approves applications to change affiliation without objection, but this happens mostly in peaceful environments - Australia is a typical case.
4. Russia joined the AFC, and its clubs will be joining along with it, but the level of competition in the Asian Champions League is far from that of the European Champions League.
4. Alternative paths for Russia: joining the America's Cup?
It is still possible for the Russian team to participate in the next Asian Cup without changing their affiliation to a soccer federation, which would at least provide the players with the opportunity to play, even though the results do not affect the rankings. Alternatively, the Russian team could make up for the lack of tournaments by playing friendly matches against Asian countries.
Moreover, if Russia is long ostracized from European soccer and is unwilling to join the AFC, it has a bold option: perhaps try to qualify for the 2024 Copa America.
The Copa America usually features 12 teams, including two special invitees.In 2020, Qatar and Australia were invited, but the tournament was postponed to 2021 due to the New Crown Epidemic, and both teams ultimately failed to qualify.In 2019, the Copa America has discussed expanding to 16 teams and inviting European teams. Although unlikely, the idea was theoretically feasible.
For Russian soccer, the most realistic option at the moment remains waiting for sanctions to be lifted. The situation in other sports shows that there is still hope for Russia's return to the world sports stage.
