On Monday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino reaffirmed his stance in favor of lifting the ban that currently prevents Russia from participating in international competitions, arguing that the ban “has achieved nothing.”
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, FIFA and UEFA announced in February 2022 that the nation had been disqualified from the 2022 World Cup and its teams suspended from all international football activities “until further notice.”
While in London for the Women’s Champions Cup over the weekend, Infantino spoke with Sky Sports, suggesting that, at the very least, the ban should be lifted for youth categories.
“We need to consider readmitting Russia,” Infantino stated. “This ban has not yielded any positive outcomes; it has only resulted in increased frustration and animosity. Allowing Russian boys and girls to play football elsewhere in Europe could foster understanding,” he continued. “It’s something we must pursue, particularly in the youth categories.”
In 2023, UEFA began to relax its restrictions by permitting U17 teams to participate, but eventually reversed this decision after considerable backlash from member federations.
Infantino has previously voiced support for Russia, having stated at a UEFA congress last April his desire to reintegrate Russia into football, believing it would indicate that “everything is resolved.”
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has commented, “When the war ends, [Russia] will be welcomed back.”
UEFA is set to hold an executive committee meeting later this month, which will discuss the potential reinstatement of the nation to competitions.
Despite the ban, Russia has continued to engage in international friendly matches.
On December 17, the FIFA Council announced plans for a new U15 festival, which will include a boys’ event next year and a girls’ event in 2027.
A media release confirming the decisions from the Council stated that these events would “be open to all 211 FIFA member associations.”
This report utilized information from Efe and PA news agencies.