Overview
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino told Sky News he would consider lifting the ban on Russian teams imposed after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, arguing the restriction achieved nothing and that allowing Russian children to play in Europe could help.
- Ukrainian foreign minister Andriy Sibiga rejected the idea, citing 679 Ukrainian children killed in the war and warning that removing sanctions would be a disgrace comparable to the 1936 Olympics.
- Youth and Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi called Infantino’s remarks irresponsible and “infantile,” reporting that more than 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed and affirming the Ukrainian Association of Football’s opposition to any return.
- Shakhtar Donetsk chief executive Serhiy Palkin labeled the proposal a disconnect from reality and invited Infantino to meet players who lost close family members in the war.
- The FIFA suspension introduced in 2022 remains in effect, with Russia barred from the 2022 World Cup and absent from qualifying for the 2026 tournament.