FIFA President Gianni Infantino favours lifting ban on Russia from playing football

Gianni Infantino has hinted that FIFA could lift the ban on Russia soon. (Image credits – Heute; Licence Details)

Russia and all the Russian clubs were indefinitely suspended by FIFA from all football competitions in 2022 after the nation invaded Ukraine. FIFA president Gianni Infantino received an award from the Russian government back in 2018, has spoken in favour of lifting the ban.

Russia has not participated in the 2022 World Cup or Euro 2024 and was not allowed to participate in the 2026 World Cup as well. The Russian contingent was also banned from participating in the Olympics.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes closer, the organising board feels that the ban hasn't solved anything, while many feel that Israel should be treated similarly.

Many have argued that football should not be involved with politics, and due to such extreme measures, rising ballers in Russia are unable to choose football as their profession. Infantino has demanded to lift the ban and slowly reinstate the youth teams of Russia.

"We have to look at reinstating Russia, definitely, because this ban has not achieved anything. It has just created more frustration and hatred", the FIFA president said. (sic)

He further added, "Having girls and boys from Russia ‌being able to play football games in other ‌parts of Europe would help.”  (sic)

Ukraine's sports minister slams FIFA and Gianni Infantino

Ukraine’s sports minister has slammed Gianni Infantino, who called in favour of lifting Russia's ban from FIFA-recognised tournaments. The countries are still at war, and the ban has changed nothing so far.

However, Matvii Bidnyi, the nation's sport minister, has slammed Infantino, labelling him ‘irresponsible’. 

"They detach football from the reality in which children are being killed. Let me remind you that since the start of Russia’s full-scale aggression, more than 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed by Russians. Among them were more than one hundred footballers,” said the minister in an interview. (sic)

"War is a crime, not politics. 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.” (sic)

He further added, “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.” (sic)

FIFA have lifted the bans on Russia's youth level but under the condition that they play under the name of ‘Football Union of Russia’ while not wearing their original football crest and kits.