FIFA president Gianni Infantino has renewed his push to end Russia’s exclusion from international football, declaring the sanction “has not achieved anything” and has merely generated “more frustration and hatred.”
Speaking to Sky News on Monday, the head of world football’s governing body made clear his position on the matter.
“We have to, definitely,” Infantino stated when questioned about potentially reversing the ban.
The FIFA chief has long maintained that sport should remain separate from political considerations, arguing that exclusionary measures fail to produce meaningful results.
His remarks arrive at a particularly significant moment, with UEFA’s Executive Committee set to convene later this month.
The governing body could potentially oversee Russia’s return to competitive football.
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Russian national and club sides have been barred from FIFA and UEFA tournaments at every level since Vladimir Putin’s forces invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
This suspension resulted in Russia’s immediate removal from the 2022 World Cup qualifying process.
Subsequently, the nation has been shut out of qualification for Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup.
Women’s competitions and youth tournaments have likewise remained off-limits to Russian participants throughout this period.
Both FIFA and UEFA announced the joint suspension in February 2022, stating it would remain in effect “until further notice.”
Infantino has specifically championed the cause of young Russian footballers, suggesting their participation could serve a constructive purpose.
“Having girls and boys from Russia being able to play football games in other parts of Europe would help,” he remarked.
The FIFA president has previously voiced similar sentiments at UEFA’s Congress in Belgrade last April.
“We have always to try to use football to bring people together, to bring countries together, especially in our world which is divided,” Infantino said at that gathering.
He expressed hope that peace negotiations might enable Russia’s reintegration into the footballing community, stating this “would mean everything is solved.”
The upcoming UEFA Executive Committee meeting holds particular significance, as the body possesses the authority to sanction Russia’s return to competitive action.
European football’s governing body previously attempted to permit Russian under-17 sides back into tournaments in 2023, though these plans were abandoned following substantial opposition from member federations.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has indicated that readmission would follow the cessation of hostilities, stating: “When the war stops, they will be readmitted.”
Throughout their suspension, Russian teams have maintained their footballing activity through friendly fixtures, with both men’s and women’s national sides arranging numerous international matches since 2022.
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