The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) expressed the hope that in 2025 Russian clubs and teams will be able to participate in international tournaments again. Director of the Department of National Associations Zoran Lakovich said that Russia should return to the "

Speaking at an extraordinary conference of the Russian Football Union (RFU), Lakovich emphasized that Russian football has always enjoyed respect in Europe thanks to his history, outstanding players and trainers, as well as the work of many specialists.

He also drawn a parallel with the situation of Serbia in the 1990s, when the country was removed from international competitions due to UN sanctions. According to him, Serbian athletes lost the opportunity to compete at the highest level, being in isolation for more than four years.

" They will return to the European sports family, ”said 47-year-old Serb.

Thus, FIFA extended the sanctions imposed on the country due to its military aggression against Ukraine. .