FIFA President Gianni Infantino has once again voiced his strong desire to see Russia's ban from international football competitions lifted, arguing that the current sanctions have fostered increased frustration and animosity rather than resolving underlying conflicts. In a recent interview with Sky News, the head of world football's governing body made a passionate case for reintegrating Russian teams, particularly at youth levels, as a means of fostering dialogue and unity.
The Current Sanctions and Their Impact
Russia's national sides and club teams have faced comprehensive bans from both FIFA and UEFA competitions at all levels since the nation's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This decisive action led to Russia's immediate expulsion from the qualifying campaign for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Subsequently, Russian teams have been excluded from the ongoing Euro 2024 qualifiers, the preliminary rounds for the 2026 World Cup, and all major women's tournaments and youth-level events sanctioned by the European and global bodies.
Infantino's Rationale for Reintegration
"We have to, definitely," Infantino stated emphatically when questioned about the potential lifting of the ban. "Because this ban has not achieved anything, it has just created more frustration and hatred." He elaborated on his position by suggesting that allowing Russian youth teams to compete internationally could serve as a constructive diplomatic tool. "Having girls and boys from Russia being able to play football games in other parts of Europe would help," he added, framing football as a potential bridge in a deeply divided geopolitical landscape.
This is not the first instance where Infantino has publicly advocated for Russia's return to the competitive fold. Last year, during UEFA's Congress in Belgrade, he expressed that he was "cheering" for such a development, as it would symbolise that the conflict had been peacefully resolved. "We have always to try to use football to bring people together, to bring countries together, especially in our world which is divided," he remarked at the time.
Historical Context and Previous Attempts
Infantino's latest comments arrive just ahead of a crucial UEFA Executive Committee meeting scheduled for later this month. European football's governing body retains the authority to oversee any potential reintegration of Russian teams into its competitions. Notably, UEFA had previously attempted to reintroduce Russia into under-17 competitions in 2023, but those plans were swiftly abandoned following significant international backlash and pressure from multiple member associations.
Russia's Activities During the Ban
Despite the formal ban from official competitions, Russian football has not been entirely dormant. The national federation has organised a series of international friendly matches for both its men's and women's senior teams since the sanctions were imposed. These fixtures have provided competitive outlets, though they lack the prestige and qualification implications of major tournaments.
Infantino connected the potential return of Russian football directly to the broader peace process. "As talks are going on for peace in Ukraine, I hope we can soon move to the next stage and bring back Russia in the football landscape, because this would mean everything is solved," he said. "That is what we have to cheer for, that is what we have to pray for, because that is what football is about." His stance continues to frame the sport not just as a game, but as a potential instrument for international reconciliation and dialogue.
