What’s Behind the New Debate Over Russia’s Football Ban

A renewed debate has emerged over Russia’s exclusion from international football after comments by FIFA president Gianni Infantino prompted a strong response from Ukraine.

Russia’s national teams and clubs were suspended from FIFA and UEFA competitions in February 2022 following the country’s invasion of Ukraine, a ban that has kept Russia out of the World Cup and European Championship tournaments.

Speaking about the suspension, Infantino suggested that the ban had “not achieved anything” and argued that continued exclusion may have created frustration. He also raised the idea that allowing Russian children to participate in football competitions elsewhere in Europe could have a positive effect, comments that quickly drew backlash.

Ukraine’s sports minister, Matvii Bidnyi, rejected Infantino’s remarks, calling them “irresponsible” and “infantile.” He said football cannot be detached from the realities of war, pointing to the deaths of hundreds of Ukrainian athletes and coaches since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Ukrainian football officials echoed the criticism, warning that lifting the ban would amount to ignoring the ongoing conflict and the use of sport as a political tool.

Despite discussions about a potential return, Russia remains barred from FIFA and UEFA competitions and will not take part in upcoming World Cups or European Championships.