Uefa has ended its blanket ban on Russian teams by allowing the country's under-17 sides to compete in its competitions from this season. All Russian teams have been barred since the illegal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, but the governing body now argues that children should not be punished for the actions of adults.
A Uefa statement said: 'It is particularly aggrieving that, due to the enduring conflict, a generation of minors is deprived of its right to compete in international football.' The executive committee decided to readmit Russian under-17 teams for the current season, even though draws have already been held, leaving open the possibility of late entry into the Uefa Under-17 Championship qualifiers.
Russian teams will play without their national flag, anthem or kit, and the ban on matches being played on Russian territory remains in force. Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin ruled out any further softening of the ban for adult teams, stating: 'Uefa's continuing suspension against Russian adult teams reflects its commitment to take a stand against violence and aggression.'
It remains to be seen whether Fifa will take a similar stance and permit Russia's under-17 sides to compete in global events.
