FIFA president Gianni Infantino emphasized on Monday his support for lifting the ban that prevents Russia from participating in international competitions, stating that this action “has achieved nothing.”
In February 2022, FIFA and UEFA issued a joint statement declaring that Russia had been removed from the 2022 World Cup and its teams suspended from all international football events “until further notice” following President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
While in London over the weekend for the Women’s Champions Cup, Infantino informed Sky Sports that the ban should be lifted for youth categories at this time.
“We must [consider readmitting Russia]. Absolutely. This ban has not produced any positive outcomes; it has merely fostered more frustration and animosity. Allowing young players from Russia to engage in football across other parts of Europe could be beneficial,” he stated. “This is something we need to pursue, particularly in the youth categories.”
In 2023, UEFA initially relaxed its stance to permit U17 teams to participate, but reversed this decision following significant backlash from member federations.
Infantino has previously voiced his backing for Russia, mentioning at a UEFA congress last April that he aimed to reintegrate Russia “into the football landscape because this would indicate that all issues are resolved.”
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin remarked: “When the war concludes, [Russia] will be readmitted.”
UEFA is set to hold an executive committee meeting later this month, which has the power to manage the nation’s return to competitions.
Russia has continued to engage in international friendly matches.
On December 17, the FIFA Council announced plans for a new U15 festival, with a boys’ event scheduled for next year and a girls’ event planned for 2027.
A media release confirming the Council’s decisions indicated that the events would “be open to all 211 FIFA member associations.”
Information from Efe and PA news agencies was utilized in this report.
