FIFA president calls for end to Russia’s football exclusion
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has renewed his push to end Russia’s exclusion from international football, declaring the sanction “has not achieved anything” and has merely generated “more frustration and hatred,” reports BritPanorama.
In an interview with Sky News, Infantino made his position clear, stating, “We have to, definitely,” when questioned about potentially reversing the ban imposed on Russian teams. He argued that sports should remain separate from political considerations, suggesting that exclusionary measures have failed to deliver meaningful outcomes.
His comments come ahead of a crucial UEFA Executive Committee meeting later this month. This governing body has the potential to oversee Russia’s return to competitive football, an outcome that some believe could encourage cooperation and understanding among nations.
Russian national and club sides have been barred from FIFA and UEFA tournaments at every level since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, resulting in their immediate removal from the 2022 World Cup qualifying process. The suspension subsequently extended to Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup, with women’s competitions and youth tournaments also remaining off-limits for Russian participants.
Banning Russian participation was a joint decision made by both FIFA and UEFA, and it remains in effect “until further notice.” Infantino has previously emphasized the need to consider the impact on young Russian footballers, suggesting their participation could foster better international relationships. “Having girls and boys from Russia being able to play football games in other parts of Europe would help,” he noted.
Although UEFA had attempted to reintegrate Russian under-17 sides into tournaments in 2023, those plans were abandoned after facing significant pushback from member federations. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has stated that readmission would only occur after the cessation of hostilities, asserting, “When the war stops, they will be readmitted.”
While awaiting a resolution, Russian teams have continued to engage in friendly matches, keeping their footballing activity alive despite the competitive ban. The upcoming UEFA meeting could serve as a pivotal moment in determining Russia’s future in international football and, by extension, its relationship with the global community.
This ongoing dynamic illustrates the complicated relationship between sport and politics, reminding us that the harmony of play often hinges precariously on the wider socio-political landscape.
