Infantino Calls For Lifting FIFA’s Ban On Russia

‎FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, said on Monday that he supports ending the ban that prevents Russia from taking part in international competitions, arguing that the sanction “has achieved nothing.”

‎The ban was introduced in February 2022, when FIFA and UEFA jointly suspended Russia from the 2022 World Cup and all other international football events. The decision came after President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine.

‎In London over the weekend for the Women’s Champions Cup, Infantino told Sky Sports that for the time being, the ban should be lifted 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 said.

‎”It’s something we have to do, definitely, at least in the youth categories.”

In 2023, UEFA initially relaxed its rules to permit U17 teams to participate, but reversed the decision following strong opposition from member federations.

‎Infantino has previously voiced support for Russia, stating at a UEFA congress last April that he aimed to reintegrate Russia “into the football landscape because that would mean that everything is solved.”

‎UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has said, “When the war stops, [Russia] will be readmitted.”

‎UEFA has an executive committee meeting later this month and has the authority to oversee the nation’s return to competitions.

‎Russia has continued to participate in international friendlies.

‎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 stated that the events would “be open to all 211 FIFA member associations.”