In an interview with Sky News, FIFA President Gianni Infantino once again raised the issue of lifting restrictions on Russian football teams, claiming that the sanctions "have not yielded any results" and have only increased "disappointment and hatred."
Infantino emphasized that sports should remain outside of political conflicts. He noted that excluding Russia from international competitions has not led to positive outcomes and has not contributed to bringing people closer together.
Since February 2022, Russian teams, both national and club, have been suspended from participating in FIFA and UEFA tournaments due to the onset of the conflict in Ukraine. As a result, the Russian national team was unable to participate in the qualifying matches and final of the 2022 World Cup, the Euro 2024 tournament, and the qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup. The ban also applies to women's and youth teams.
The FIFA President stressed the importance of ensuring the participation of young footballers, adding that including Russian boys and girls in international competitions could foster dialogue and unite people in Europe. He has expressed this position multiple times at UEFA congresses.
Infantino's statement came against the backdrop of the upcoming UEFA Executive Committee meeting, which is scheduled to take place at the end of this month. This body may consider the possibility of returning Russia to the international football calendar. However, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin previously stated that the return of Russian teams is only possible after the cessation of hostilities.
Despite the existing ban, Russian teams continue to participate in international friendly matches that take place outside of official FIFA and UEFA tournaments.
