Speaking to Sky News on the sidelines of a football event in London on 2/2, Infantino stated that FIFA must re-evaluate the ban on Russia from international competitions. This ban was imposed in February 2022 after the country launched its military campaign in Ukraine. According to the FIFA head, prohibitions and boycotts only create more hatred and disappointment, failing to resolve the core issue.

"Allowing boys and girls from Russia to play football elsewhere in Europe would send a positive message," Infantino said. "We are obliged to do so, at least at the youth level."

FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the 49th UEFA General Assembly, held at the Sava conference center in Belgrade, Serbia on 3/4/2025. Photo: Reuters

Russia remains suspended from competitions organized by FIFA and UEFA, including World Cup qualifiers and national team and club events. In 2023, some of their youth teams were temporarily allowed to compete under limited circumstances. However, UEFA later withdrew the decision due to fierce backlash from many member federations.

Infantino noted that the ban, which has lasted for nearly four years, has not yielded any concrete results. He suggested initially opening doors for Russia at youth levels, viewing this as a cautious step to assess the reaction and actual impact. The FIFA Council also recently announced plans to organize U15 football festivals in the coming years, with the principle of being open to all 211 FIFA member federations. This move creates further room for Russia to return to international play.

The FIFA President's statement immediately drew criticism from Ukraine. Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, denounced Infantino as a "morally bankrupt individual" for this proposal. "679 Ukrainian children have died due to the war and will never have the chance to play football again," Sybiha added on social media.

Ukraine's Sports Minister, Matvii Bidnyi, also described Infantino's statement as "irresponsible, even naive," for separating football from the reality of war, where children and athletes continue to die. Bidnyi stated that over 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches, including over 100 footballers, have died since the conflict began.

Ukrainian officials believe that Russia's return to international competitions would enable Moscow to use sports as a propaganda tool, legitimizing the war. The Ukrainian Football Association affirms its strong opposition to any moves to re-integrate Russia as long as the war has not ended.

FIFA's stance has sparked debate within European football. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin previously stated that Russia could only rejoin when the war ceases. The UEFA Executive Committee is scheduled to meet this month and has the authority to consider steps related to Russia's playing status.

The political context surrounding FIFA further heightens the sensitivity of Infantino's statement. The FIFA President maintains a close relationship with US President Donald Trump. FIFA has also opened an office in Trump Tower in New York and appointed Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump's daughter, to the board of an education fund related to the 2026 World Cup.

Hoang An (according to ESPN, Sky)