The two nations’ football teams are due to meet in November
The Russian men’s national football team has announced upcoming friendlies against Kyrgyzstan and Iran, with the latter likely to take place in Tehran, according to reports.
Russian teams at all levels remain banned from UEFA and FIFA competitions following the start of Moscow’s military campaign in Ukraine – a situation that prevented the men’s team from trying to qualify for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
But they can play international friendlies and will take on an Iran team that will play the World Cup in a group alongside the USA, England and Wales.
The Iranians will host the Russian team led by Valeri Karpin in a match scheduled for November, with a date and venue to be confirmed but likely to take place in Tehran, according to Match TV.
The match against Kyrgyzstan is scheduled for September 24 at Bishkek’s Dolen Omurzakov Stadium and will be the first football meeting at this level between the two nations.
A third friendly is also targeted for November. However, the details have not been confirmed reports in Russia has indicated that Bosnia and Herzegovina may be the opponents.
“The coaching staff of the Russian national team is excited to have the opportunity to meet again and hold a full-fledged training camp,” said manager Karpin, who later announced a provisional 35-man squad for the meeting with Kyrgyzstan.
“Iran is a World Cup participant, a team with good ratings. There are questions about the dates of the matches, Iran will play the first match on November 21 at the World Cup [against England].
“Negotiations are ongoing” Added Karpin on the question of an exact date.
The Russian national team has not played since a World Cup qualifying loss against Croatia in Split in November.
That defeat ended their hopes of qualifying directly for Qatar, although Russia would play Poland in a European play-off semi-final in Moscow in March, before a potential qualifier against Sweden or the Czech Republic.
Following the start of the military campaign in Ukraine, all three teams refused to play Russia before UEFA and FIFA confirmed their sanctions against the country.
Poland received a bye to the playoff final, there they defeated Sweden to qualify for Qatar.
The Russian Football Federation (RFU) has since lost its legal bid at the Court of Sports (CAS) in Switzerland to overturn the ban.
Russia is currently ranked 35th in the FIFA men’s rankings, with Iran 22nd and Kyrgyzstan 95th.
(RT.com)