Football expert Konstantin Lepyokhin, in an exclusive interview with Euro-Football.Ru, commented on RFU President Aleksandr Dyukov’s remarks about Russian teams returning to the international stage. This was reported by euro-football.rureports.
Dyukov, explaining the current situation at the RFU executive committee, said Russian teams could be brought back into the draws for upcoming major tournaments. Lepyokhin noted he would be happy if that scenario happened, but his gut feeling does not strongly believe it will occur within the next two years. In his view, while attitudes toward Russia in the international football system remain tough, it is difficult to revise decisions quickly.
As positive signs, Dyukov also cited the International Olympic Committee’s decision to allow Russian athletes back into competitions in certain individual sports. Lepyokhin called it a positive step and said that if other sports are opening the way, football’s turn will come in time as well.
According to the expert, if Dyukov is talking about the Russian national team appearing in upcoming draws, then there must be some grounds for it. Lepyokhin noted that the RFU leadership has more information than ordinary observers.
At the same time, Dyukov said that if Italy could lose the right to host Euro 2032 due to the condition of its stadiums, Russia would be ready to host the tournament. Lepyokhin considers such a possibility almost nonexistent: he says resistance toward Russia is still strong, and it may take many years for that mood to fade.
Lepyokhin recalled that Russia had been entrusted with major tournaments before, and there were plenty of dubious talk back then too. For example, he remembered discussions about infrastructure and various rumors ahead of the Sochi Olympics.
In his view, if Italy cannot stage the tournament, hosting rights will still be given to another country. Only the economic factor could be decisive: if it is too burdensome for Europe to host the tournament, other options will be sought. Lepyokhin added that Russia would not struggle to host Euro 2032.
In conclusion, the expert also touched on RFU Secretary General Maksim Mitrofanov’s words that talks are ongoing about a friendly match with Hungary. Lepyokhin said this could be seen as certain positive shifts, but he did not rule out the possibility of double standards on the European side. He stressed that he feels sorry for an entire generation of Russian footballers who are unable to take part in international tournaments.
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