٠٠:٠٣:٠٣Iran: Russia’s national football team begins training ahead of friendly match in Tehran
Players from Russia’s national football team were seen training at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran on Wednesday night, ahead of the upcoming friendly match against Iran.
Valeri Karpin, the Russian team’s head coach could also be seen on the pitch, watching over his squad as they practised various drills. Later, Karpin shared his thoughts with journalists on the sidelines.
"Without any doubt, of course, such games with such rivals as Iran are 100 percent useful and even necessary," Karpin said.
“I think that in recent years this is the strongest team against which we will now play. I think Iran is one of the best or maybe the best team in Asia right now,” he added.
Karpin also commented on reports that the Russian Football Union (RFU) was in negotiations with FIFA and UEFA to be allowed to return to the international stage after being banned by both associations following the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine last year.
“Well, first of all, we don't have that information. Yes, there were talks about it, but so far we have no official or unofficial information on this matter,” he told journalists. “It is clear that it is better to play than not to play anywhere. It is better to play, but once again, there is no decision yet and the Federation will have to make a decision."
The Russian team have played three friendlies since the ban, beating Kyrgyzstan and drawing with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Russia will also compete in the Central Asian Football Association championship, which will be held in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan from June 9-21.
On February 28, 2022, Russian and Belarusian clubs and teams were banned from participating in FIFA and UEFA games following a recommendation from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Russian and Belarusian athletes were banned from participating in most international sporting events shortly after.
The Iranian and Russian national football teams will go head-to-head on Thursday, March 23.
٠٠:٠٣:٠٣NO Access Israel Media/Persian Language TV Stations Outside Iran/Strictly No Access BBC Persian/VOA Persian/Manoto TV/Iran International TV
Players from Russia’s national football team were seen training at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran on Wednesday night, ahead of the upcoming friendly match against Iran.
Valeri Karpin, the Russian team’s head coach could also be seen on the pitch, watching over his squad as they practised various drills. Later, Karpin shared his thoughts with journalists on the sidelines.
"Without any doubt, of course, such games with such rivals as Iran are 100 percent useful and even necessary," Karpin said.
“I think that in recent years this is the strongest team against which we will now play. I think Iran is one of the best or maybe the best team in Asia right now,” he added.
Karpin also commented on reports that the Russian Football Union (RFU) was in negotiations with FIFA and UEFA to be allowed to return to the international stage after being banned by both associations following the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine last year.
“Well, first of all, we don't have that information. Yes, there were talks about it, but so far we have no official or unofficial information on this matter,” he told journalists. “It is clear that it is better to play than not to play anywhere. It is better to play, but once again, there is no decision yet and the Federation will have to make a decision."
The Russian team have played three friendlies since the ban, beating Kyrgyzstan and drawing with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Russia will also compete in the Central Asian Football Association championship, which will be held in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan from June 9-21.
On February 28, 2022, Russian and Belarusian clubs and teams were banned from participating in FIFA and UEFA games following a recommendation from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Russian and Belarusian athletes were banned from participating in most international sporting events shortly after.
The Iranian and Russian national football teams will go head-to-head on Thursday, March 23.