February 3 – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reiterated that football should lift its ban on Russia, arguing that the measure “has achieved nothing.”
The Russians are prohibited from competing in international competitions, but Infantino told Sky Sports in an interview that the ban should be lifted – at least 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. It’s something we have to do. Definitely, at least in the youth categories.”
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the refusal of several European national team captains to play the country, UEFA and FIFA banned the Russian from international football. Russia have continued to play in international friendlies.
It’s not the first time that Infantino has suggested bringing Russia back into the fold. At the 2024 UEFA Congress in Belgrade, the FIFA boss expressed his support for Russia’s return.
Infantino’s latest remarks drew an outraged response from Ukraine and its foreign affairs minister Andrii Sybiha. He wrote on social media: “679 Ukrainian girls and boys will never be able to play football — Russia killed them. And it keeps killing more while moral degenerates suggest lifting bans, despite Russia’s failure to end its war.”
Two years ago, European governing body UEFA wanted to readmit Russia’s U-17 teams, but backtracked after a widespread backlash. UEFA has said that Russia will be readmitted when the war stops.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at [email protected]