"The sports authorities will not go ahead of the political ones"

Denis Solovyov, Vice President of the Russian Football Union (RFU), is skeptical about media insiders that FIFA and UEFA have launched the process of returning our clubs and the national team to their tournaments. According to the functionary, such issues will be resolved at a higher level. Solovyov told about this in an interview with Izvestia and Sport-Express.

— There was information in the media that UEFA and FIFA launched the process of returning Russian football. What kind of reaction does this cause you?

— I have only one question: who told you that they launched something? Is there a document? Have you appointed a working group? All this is still based on rumors.

— That's what the Western press writes...

— She writes a lot of things. There is no actual discussion, clear and verifiable process yet... For example, I don't see anyone discussing this. Maybe they're doing it on the sidelines. But even if they come to an agreement on the sidelines, it won't do us any good. Until it reaches the official level.

— But at the same time, RFU President Alexander Dyukov said that there are fewer countries opposing Russia's return.

"That's right. I recently went to a meeting of the UEFA marketing committee. Basically, everyone is friendly. Even representatives of countries whose politicians express a harsh position are quite friendly. No one refuses any discussions in any way. Communication is normal, but there is a decision to suspend and there is not even a hint that the recovery procedure has been started.

— At the same time, there is a feeling that the dialogue between the presidents of Russia and the United States influences the process.

— When spring is around, it also comes in the soul. So it is here. When there are certain signs of geopolitical detente around, it seems that something is coming here too. God grant it! But I am sure that the sports authorities will not go ahead of the political ones. First, they will wait for a tangible signal that some sanctions will be lifted from Russia. As soon as they feel the "warming", they will do something. But they won't be the first to start this difficult journey.

— When do you see our return as real?

— You can only analyze some facts. When you see the conditions of a task, you can analyze what it will lead to and when. And when The Independent wrote something, how can you analyze something? I don't want to sound like a bore, but it's either going to happen or it's not. There's nothing to disassemble yet. There will be a UEFA congress in Serbia now. I think we should wait for the official representatives of the RFU in Serbia to communicate. After that, there will be some understanding on the roadmap, time, and so on.

— Do you have a feeling that it will be easier with FIFA than with UEFA?

- no. Why?

— Europe is against us.

— I can't say that. Who is there strongly against us? Baltic tigers and Poles? Europe is big. The decision is made by the majority. I don't think the majority is against us. Rather, they're just not in favor.

— What were your thoughts after Ceferin's interview? (the football official, in particular, sharply criticized the situation with freedom of speech in Europe and condemned the non-admission of the Russian youth national team to international competitions. — Ed.)

— In the current media environment that exists in Europe, and I am following this quite closely, it was a bold interview. He's great for saying that. I could have said nothing, but I did. It is clear that a person has a position and he is not afraid to voice it. Another question is how much this position will resonate in subsequent decisions... But he did well to say what he thought. You can respect him for that.

— Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump have decided to organize a match between the KHL and the NHL. Is it realistic to hold a meeting between the Russian and US football teams?

— I wouldn't be surprised if the football match between Russia and the USA takes place faster than the hockey match.