Afghanistan offered Russia to hold a match at the stadium where the Taliban conducted public executions

The Russian national football team refused to play against Afghanistan in Kabul, reports 'Glavkom'. The invitation from the Afghan Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade was declined by the Russian Football Union (RFU). 'By the end of the year, our team will play three matches, all of which will take place in Russia. The names of potential opponents are not yet known, but work is underway,' said the RFU.

The suspension of Russia from international tournaments

The Russian national team and football clubs from Russia were suspended from international tournaments after the start of Russian aggression against Ukraine in February 2022. As a result, Russia was excluded from the draw for the World Cup qualifying tournament, depriving it of the opportunity to participate in the final part of the competition.

The Russian national team refused the match against Afghanistan, but due to the suspension from international tournaments, they will only compete within Russia. Russia lost the chance to participate in the World Cup qualification because of its aggression against Ukraine in 2022.