Brussels – Ukraine is intensifying efforts to block a move by FIFA to lift the ban on Russia’s participation in international football, with Kyiv warning that reinstating Russia would legitimise Vladimir Putin’s aggression. The pushback comes as European football leaders gather in Brussels for the annual UEFA Congress, four years after Russian teams were expelled from competition following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is scheduled to attend the Congress, having recently defended the potential end to the ban, arguing it “has not achieved anything” and has instead “created more frustration and hatred.” Ukrainian Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi sharply criticised Infantino’s position, calling it “a very strange position” and emphasising the importance of maintaining international condemnation of Russia.
“If we start to make our policy softer… what sign do you make for the world?” Bidnyi asked, adding that the ban is “an vital part of international efforts to stop the aggressor.” He further stated that allowing Russia back onto the world stage would be akin to justifying a “crime.”
Bidnyi is seeking a formal statement from European football bodies opposing the lifting of sanctions, mirroring a similar effort last year that secured commitments from 28 European governments, including the UK, to maintain a ban on Russia’s participation in the Paralympic Games. He indicated that a visit from Infantino to Ukraine would be welcomed, but reiterated his condemnation of the FIFA president’s stance.
The initial ban on Russian teams in 2022 followed widespread refusal from European nations to play against them, or host matches on Russian soil. Poland, Sweden and England were among the countries that declared they would not participate in World Cup qualifying matches against Russia. The decision to ban Russia was jointly made by FIFA and UEFA, accompanied by a $1 million humanitarian donation to Ukraine.
Still, some within FIFA are questioning the continued ban, arguing that governments continue to engage in trade with Russia despite the ongoing conflict. This has led to internal discussions about the consistency of sporting sanctions compared to broader economic relations.
The debate over Russia’s readmission comes as Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy recently criticised both the International Olympic Committee and FIFA for signalling a potential shift towards restoring Russian teams to international competitions, stating that the situation in Ukraine has, if anything, worsened since the original bans were imposed.
Bidnyi described Infantino’s comments as “irresponsible and infantile,” highlighting the human cost of the war, including the deaths and injuries of Ukrainian athletes. He stated that over 100 footballers are among the more than 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches killed by Russian forces.
