Ukraine’s Sports Minister Criticizes FIFA’s Proposal to Lift Russia’s Ban

Ukraine’s Sports Minister, Matvii Bidnyi, has criticized FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to lift the ban on Russian participation at the youth level, labeling it as “irresponsible” and “infantile.”

Infantino expressed his belief that the prohibition, established by FIFA and UEFA in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, should be reconsidered, stating it should “definitely” be lifted, at least for youth competitions. He argued that the ban has “not achieved anything” and has instead caused “more frustration and hatred.” Infantino suggested that allowing Russian youth players to participate in games across Europe could foster understanding.

In response, Minister Bidnyi remarked, “Gianni Infantino’s words sound irresponsible—not to say infantile. They detach football from the reality in which children are being killed.”

He highlighted the tragic consequences of the ongoing war, noting that since the onset of Russia’s full-scale aggression, more than 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have lost their lives due to Russian actions. Among the deceased are over 100 football players, including Illia Perezhogin, who tragically died when a missile struck while he was playing at his school in Mariupol.

Furthermore, former futsal player Viktoriia Kotliarova was killed alongside her mother during shelling in Kyiv on December 29, 2023. She had been a champion in student futsal competitions.

“War is a crime, not politics. It is Russia that politicizes sport and uses it to justify aggression,” Bidnyi emphasized. He aligned himself with the Ukrainian Association of Football, which also opposes Russia’s return to international competitions. “As long as Russians continue killing Ukrainians and politicizing sport, their flag and national symbols have no place among those who respect values such as justice, integrity, and fair play,” he asserted.

On December 17, the FIFA Council announced plans for an U15 festival, with competitions for boys to be held next year and girls in 2027, following the Olympic Summit’s recommendation for international sports federations to permit Russian teams and athletes to compete under their national flag at youth levels. A media release from FIFA noted that these events would be available to all 211 member associations.

On Boxing Day last year, Alexander Dyukov, president of the Russian Football Union, expressed optimism for the return of Russian teams to official international competitions, citing expectations for decisions from international football regulators in line with the IOC’s recommendations. He planned to attend the upcoming UEFA Congress in Brussels, viewing it as a chance to discuss Russia’s reintegration into international football.

However, senior officials within European football have voiced skepticism regarding the feasibility of lifting the ban at any level, citing concerns that other teams may refuse to compete against Russia until a sustainable political resolution to the conflict is achieved.