"This ban has achieved nothing". FIFA President does not rule out Russia's return to the competition

The President of the International Football Federation (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, believes that the ban on Russian teams from participating in competitions, introduced after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, has achieved nothing. He expressed this opinion in an interview with Sky News.

The FIFA president was unequivocal when asked whether he would consider lifting the ban imposed in 2022.

"We have to do it. Definitely," Infantino said.

"Since this ban has achieved nothing, it has only created more frustration and hatred," the official continued.

Infantino believes that "the opportunity for girls and boys from Russia to play soccer in other parts of Europe would help."

He also opposes the ban on Israel's participation in the championship, saying that such a ban is a "defeat."

According to the FIFA president, the organization should revise its rules and "enshrine in the charter that we should never ban any country from playing football because of the actions of its political leaders."

"Someone has to keep the lines of communication open," he added.

• February 28, 2022 FIFA and UEFA all Russian teams were suspended (national teams and clubs) from the competition.
• But already on October 4, 2023, FIFA lifted the ban to participate in international competitions for youth (under 17) teams from Russia.