The International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) confirmed that Russia's participation in the 2026 World Cup finals depends on joining the Asian Confederation (AFC).
On his part, President of the Russian Football Union Aleksandr Dyukov, confirmed that the final decision regarding the transfer to the AFC will be taken in the Executive Committee of the Russian Federation on December 27.
The report stated that if the decision is positive, Russia will have until December 31 to submit all the necessary documents to participate in the World Cup.
He added that a source in FIFA mentioned that the federation's position could become a decisive argument in favor of a move to the AFC.
Moscow began considering joining the AFC after FIFA and UEFA banned Russian national football teams and clubs from participating in international tournaments in connection with the Russian special operation in Ukraine.
Earlier in December, the Olympic Summit agreed that the International Olympic Committee should study an initiative by the Olympic Council of Asia to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes who respect the Olympic charter and sanction to compete in Asian championships.
It is noteworthy that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
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