Fifa president Gianni Infantino has signalled a desire to lift the ban on Russian teams, but Uefa and its member associations are preparing to block any return. The International Olympic Committee provisionally lifted Russia’s suspension last week, prompting Fifa to say it would analyse the decision. However, sources at several European national associations have indicated there is no realistic prospect of Russian sides being welcomed back into European football or World Cup qualifying.
Uefa was forced to abandon plans to reintroduce Russian teams to youth events three years ago after a backlash from at least a dozen members. The organisation does not want a repeat of that scenario, particularly as its president, Aleksander Ceferin, seeks re-election next year. Many of the biggest western European associations, including England, Germany and France, remain vehemently opposed to Russia’s return due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Infantino told Sky News in February that the ban “has not achieved anything, it has just created more frustration and hatred”. He remains close to Russian president Vladimir Putin, having worked with him to stage the 2018 World Cup. Even if Fifa allowed Russia to compete via another confederation, as Israel does, European teams could threaten a boycott if Russia reached the World Cup.
The row adds to recent tensions between Fifa and Uefa, which clashed publicly after Fifa’s disciplinary committee lifted Folarin Balogun’s suspension during the World Cup. Uefa accused Fifa of crossing “a red line”. While the IOC’s decision paves the way for Russian athletes to return to the Olympics, Uefa has made clear that individual sports have discretion over their own rules, and qualification for the 2028 Olympic football tournament is already underway.
