Infantino’s Call to Lift Russia Ban Draws Fire From Ukraine
FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s suggestion that the ban on Russia from international football competitions should be lifted has sparked outrage from Ukrainian officials, who have labeled his comments as “irresponsible” and “infantile.” The controversy erupted on , as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues into its fifth year.
Infantino, speaking to Sky News, argued that the ban imposed by FIFA and UEFA in following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has “not achieved anything,” and has instead “created more frustration, and hatred.” He specifically suggested lifting the ban, “at least at youth level,” believing that allowing young Russian players to compete internationally could be a positive step. He stated, “Having girls and boys from Russia being able to play football games in other parts of Europe would help.”
The response from Ukraine was swift and scathing. Matvii Bidnyi, Ukraine’s sports minister, took to social media to condemn Infantino’s remarks. “Gianni Infantino’s words sound irresponsible – not to say infantile,” Bidnyi wrote. “They detach football from the reality in which children are being killed.”
Bidnyi underscored the human cost of the conflict, stating that over 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed by Russian forces since the start of the full-scale invasion. He specifically noted that more than 100 of those killed were footballers. He cited the tragic examples of Illia Perezhogin, a 10th-grade student killed by a Russian missile strike while playing football, and Viktoriia Kotliarova, a futsal champion killed with her mother during shelling in Kyiv on .
“War is a crime, not politics,” Bidnyi continued. “It is Russia that politicises sport and uses it to justify aggression. I share the position of the Ukrainian Association of Football, which also warns against Russia’s return to international competitions. As long as Russians continue killing Ukrainians and politicising sport, their flag and national symbols have no place among people who respect values such as justice, integrity, and fair play.”
The initial ban, enacted in , saw Russian national teams and clubs suspended from all FIFA and UEFA competitions, effectively excluding them from the World Cup and UEFA’s European Championship. The country will also not participate in the World Cup.
Despite the official ban, Russia has continued to play international football in unofficial matches against non-Western nations, circumventing the need for FIFA or UEFA permission. This has further fueled the controversy surrounding Infantino’s recent comments.
FIFA announced in December plans for a new under-15 festival, open to all 211 FIFA member associations, including Russia. This move followed a recommendation from the Olympic Summit to allow Russian youth teams to compete under their national flag.
Alexander Dyukov, president of the Russian Football Union, expressed optimism about a potential return to international competition, stating on , that he expected FIFA and UEFA to make decisions allowing Russian teams to participate in official competitions in , following the IOC’s recommendation. He also indicated plans to attend the UEFA Congress in Brussels to discuss Russia’s potential reinstatement.
However, sources within European football administration remain skeptical about the practicalities of lifting the ban, even at the youth level, citing concerns that other teams may refuse to compete against Russia until a lasting political resolution is reached. The situation remains highly charged, with the Ukrainian government firmly opposed to any easing of sanctions against Russia in the realm of sports.
Infantino was awarded the Russian Order of Friendship medal by Vladimir Putin after Russia hosted the World Cup, a fact that has resurfaced in the wake of his recent statements and drawn further criticism.
