Russia seeks to play friendly football match in Budapest amidst isolation

On June 7, in an article analysing the Hungarian national team, Nemzeti Sport reported that the Russian Football Union (RFU) had contacted the Hungarian Football Association (MLSZ), as they wanted to book a preparation match for the Russian national team.

Russia wants to play in Hungary

In Friday’s edition of Nemzeti Sport, in a two-column article on the Hungarian national team’s preparations, there was a small framed text about the Russians’ desire to play a preparation match in Hungary. There is no news about a date or the MLSZ’s reaction.

According to 444.hu, since the outbreak of the Ukraine war in February 2022, the Russian team has played eight away matches due to their exclusion from UEFA competitions. These matches were held in the following countries:

• Kyrgyzstan
• Tajikistan
• Uzbekistan
• Iran
• Egypt
• Qatar
• Turkey (opponent: Kenya)
• Belarus

Despite their isolation, the Russian team has not lost a match since September last year, with a record of four wins and two draws. What is more, they have not conceded a goal in their last three games, scoring 16. Notable victories include an 8-0 win against Cuba and 4-0 wins against Belarus and Serbia, the latter being a significant achievement against a European Championship participant.

In the spring, Russia played Serbia in Moscow, while Crvena Zvezda hosted Gazprom-sponsored Zenit in Belgrade, with fans displaying Russian flags and anti-EU and NATO symbols. Zenit plans to host a mini-tournament this summer, inviting Crvena Zvezda, and possibly Ferencváros, given Gazprom’s involvement with the club.

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