FIFA President Advocates for Lifting Ban on Russian Football Participation

omidbasir- On Monday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his support for lifting the ban that currently prevents Russia from participating in international football competitions, stating that this prohibition “has achieved nothing.”

The joint statement issued by FIFA and UEFA in February 2022 expelled Russia from the 2022 World Cup and suspended all its teams from international competitions following President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

While attending the Women’s Champions Cup in London over the weekend, Infantino conveyed his thoughts to Sky Sports, suggesting that the ban should be reconsidered, especially for youth categories.

“We have to [look at readmitting Russia]. Definitely. This ban has achieved nothing; it has only created more frustration and hatred. Allowing boys and girls from Russia to play football in other parts of Europe could help,” he stated. “It’s something we have to do, definitely, at least in the youth categories.”

In 2023, UEFA made an initial move to ease its stance by permitting U17 teams from Russia to compete, but later reversed this decision due to significant pushback from its member federations.

Infantino has previously shown support for Russia, remarking at a UEFA congress last April that integrating Russia back into football would signify a resolution to the ongoing issues.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has indicated that Russia could be readmitted once hostilities have ceased.

An executive committee meeting of UEFA is scheduled for later this month, which holds the authority to manage the reintroduction of Russian teams into competitions.

Despite the ongoing ban, Russian teams have continued to play in international friendly matches.

On December 17, the FIFA Council announced plans for a new U15 festival, comprising a boys’ event set for next year and a girls’ event slated for 2027. A media release accompanying this announcement stated that the events would be open to all 211 FIFA member associations.