Russian Football During the War in Ukraine: A Sport in Isolation

Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Russian football has faced unprecedented challenges. The sport, once a key part of the country’s international image, has been plunged into isolation as FIFA and UEFA banned Russian teams from international competitions. Clubs and the national team find themselves excluded from prestigious tournaments, forcing domestic football into a state of uncertainty.

A League Cut Off from the World

With Russia’s exclusion from European competitions, the Russian Premier League (RPL) has turned inward. Foreign players have left in large numbers, fearful of political instability and sanctions. High-profile names like Artem Dzyuba initially struggled to find opportunities abroad, while clubs that once competed in the Champions League now have to settle for domestic success with limited international exposure.

Russia’s Exclusion from the 2026 World Cup

One of the biggest blows to Russian football has been its exclusion from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. FIFA’s ban means that the Russian national team is unable to compete for a spot in the tournament, leaving the squad without meaningful international matches. Instead, Russia has resorted to playing friendly matches against countries outside UEFA’s jurisdiction, such as Iran and Central Asian teams. This lack of competitive fixtures has hindered the team’s development and international reputation.

Footballers Involved in the War

The war has also seen direct involvement from some Russian footballers, either through voluntary military service or open support for the conflict. One notable example is Dmitry Tarasov, a former Lokomotiv Moscow midfielder, who publicly expressed support for Russia’s military actions and was seen participating in events endorsing the war effort. Another case is Roman Shirokov, the former Russian international, who has made several statements in favor of Russia’s geopolitical stance, aligning himself with the official government narrative. Additionally, some lower-division players and coaches have joined pro-military organizations, showing how deeply the war has affected Russian football beyond just the bans and sanctions.

The Decline of Russian Clubs and Players

The inability to compete internationally has led to a decline in the quality of Russian football. Without the financial incentives of European competitions, clubs have reduced their budgets, affecting player development and infrastructure projects. Talented young Russian players who once had opportunities to move abroad now find it increasingly difficult to secure transfers to major European leagues.

Russian Players Abroad: Challenges and Isolation

For Russian players competing abroad, the situation is complex. Aleksandr Golovin, who plays for AS Monaco in France, has remained silent on political matters, likely to avoid controversy and maintain his career in European football. However, many Russian players face increased scrutiny, difficulty obtaining work permits, and a general sense of isolation. While some have managed to continue playing in European leagues, others have been pressured to return to Russia due to political tensions or contractual difficulties.

What’s Next for Russian Football?

As the war continues, Russian football remains in limbo. There are discussions about deeper integration with Asian football federations, but such moves would significantly diminish the global competitiveness of Russian teams. If geopolitical tensions persist, Russia risks becoming a footballing outcast for years to come.

For now, Russian football remains a reflection of the country’s broader isolation—cut off from the world, struggling to maintain its relevance, and deeply entangled in the politics of war.