The Russian Football Federation is reportedly looking to schedule a friendly match with Senegal at the conclusion of the 2025 season, with potential matches also being considered against Guinea.
The discussions come as Russia continues to navigate the challenges stemming from its suspension from official competitions by both FIFA and UEFA due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
According to Le Monde Afrique, Russia has already secured an agreement to host Nigeria in June 2025.
However, this arrangement, like others, hinges on securing political approval from the respective governments.
For the match with Nigeria, the Russian government’s agreement was essential for the arrangement to move forward.
If Nigeria agreed to go to Russia in June, it is because the government approved,” reports the media outlet.
The situation with Senegal is more complex, as any potential match would also require the authorization of the Senegalese government.
However, there is a precedent for such approval. In October 2023, Senegal’s U17 team played a friendly against Russia in Turkey, suggesting that a similar arrangement could be possible for the senior team in 2025.
Since being banned from official competitions by FIFA and UEFA, Russia has only been able to play friendly matches.
This limitation has led the Russian Football Federation to offer financial incentives to teams willing to engage in these games.
Russia has hosted 14 friendly matches to date, including a notable win over Cameroon in October 2023.
For these encounters, Russia has provided all-expenses-paid trips and substantial fees to the invited teams, reinforcing its determination to maintain an international football presence despite the geopolitical challenges.
As Russia explores further opportunities for friendly matches, the federation is keen to secure agreements with more nations, though it is clear that these efforts are dependent on the approval of governments, not just football associations.
The political implications of such fixtures continue to be a significant hurdle, as Russia seeks to rebuild its international football reputation while facing ongoing isolation in official competitions.
