FIFA President Infantino is proposing to ‘unfreeze’ Russia in football; Ukraine responded with accusations of immorality – sport is once again becoming an arena of war

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that Russia’s four-year ban from international football competitions should be reconsidered—at least in terms of allowing youth teams to play matches.

He made the remarks in an interview with Sky News that aired over the weekend.

Infantino noted that the restrictions have been in place since 2022, after the start of the full-scale war, and argued that the ban “achieved nothing,” instead increasing “frustration and hatred.” In his view, letting Russian children take part in matches in Europe could have a “positive effect.”

The FIFA chief’s comments triggered a sharp reaction in Kyiv. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha used very harsh language about Infantino on social media and linked the discussion of a possible easing of restrictions to the ongoing deaths of children. He also drew a historical parallel, calling any potential revision of the sanctions “a disgrace.”

Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi called Infantino’s remarks “irresponsible” and “infantile,” saying such proposals “tear football away from reality,” where people are still being killed. The Ukrainian Association of Football urged that the position not be changed until the war ends.

The Kremlin welcomed Infantino’s statements. Press secretary Dmitry Peskov said that “the time has come to consider this issue.” Russian Football Union head Alexander Dyukov had previously said he expects football organizations to follow the International Olympic Committee’s recommendations regarding the admission of young athletes.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin stressed that the key condition for Russia’s return remains peace. UEFA’s executive committee will hold a meeting on February 11 in Brussels, and the issue of Russia’s status may be raised during the discussions.

Russia has remained suspended from FIFA and UEFA competitions since February 28, 2022: national teams and clubs do not take part in official tournaments, and the national team is limited to friendly matches.