Infantino Says FIFA Must Consider Lifting Ban on Russia

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stated that the organization is obligated to discuss the lifting of the ban on Russian teams, calling it ineffective. In February 2022, FIFA and the European football governing body UEFA suspended Russian national teams and clubs from participating in international competitions indefinitely due to the events in Ukraine.

“We must do it. Undoubtedly,” Infantino told Sky News when asked if FIFA would consider lifting the ban on Russian teams. “Because the ban has achieved nothing. It has only created more disappointment and hatred.”

The FIFA president expressed confidence that “the opportunity for boys and girls from Russia to play football in other parts of Europe will be beneficial.” On September 26, 2023, UEFA’s executive committee allowed under-17 national teams from Russia to participate in international competitions. It was expected that the matches of both the women's and men's teams would be held without a flag or anthem and outside of Russian territory.

On October 10, UEFA informed RIA Novosti that the issue had been removed from the agenda as it “failed to find a technical solution that would allow Russian teams to play.” UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin told the media that accepting Russian youth teams is impossible, “as some associations are heavily influenced by their governments.”