Idman.biz
The Russian women's national football team may be allowed to participate in the qualifying stage of the 2027 World Cup.
Idman.Biz reports with reference to Sport Baza that if this decision is approved, the team will play its matches on a neutral ground, and Azerbaijan is one of the main options.
It is reported that FIFA and UEFA are discussing the possibility of the Russian team performing under a neutral flag. In this case, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey and several other countries are being considered as potential hosts for the home games of Russian football players.
According to the source, the players have already been informed about the possible return to the international arena and have been asked to be ready for the qualifying stage, which will start in February next year.
If the women's national team's participation does not cause a negative reaction, FIFA and UEFA may discuss the admission of Russian youth and junior teams to international competitions in the future.
It should be noted that Russian clubs and national teams have been removed from international tournaments since February 2022 due to the invasion of Ukraine.
It is worth recalling that in January 2025, Baku had already been selected as a neutral venue for an international sporting event: the Turkish "Aliağa Petkim Spor" and the Israeli "Hapoel Holon" teams faced each other in the play-in stage of the FIBA Champions League in the capital. The games were organized in Baku at the request of the Israeli side.
Teymur Tushiyev
