FIFA President Gianni Infantino has once again expressed his desire to see Russia reinstated into the international football community. Speaking in a recent interview with Sky News, Infantino argued that the ongoing sanctions against the nation have failed to achieve their intended goals, instead fostering “frustration and hatred.”
The Rationale for Reinstatement
Infantino’s latest remarks center on the idea that football should serve as a bridge rather than a tool for isolation. He specifically highlighted the impact of the ban on younger generations, suggesting that excluding youth teams does not contribute to a peaceful resolution.
“We have to, definitely,” Infantino said when asked if the ban should be lifted. “Because this ban has not achieved anything, it has just created more frustration and hatred. Having girls and boys from Russia being able to play football games in other parts of Europe would help.”
Background of the Sanctions
Since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, both FIFA and UEFA have maintained a blanket ban on Russian national teams and clubs at all levels. This unprecedented move has had a significant impact on the Russian football landscape:
- 2022 FIFA World Cup: Russia was expelled during the qualification stages.
- Euro 2024: The national team was excluded from the tournament.
- 2026 FIFA World Cup: Russia remains barred from the current qualifying campaign.
- Youth and Women’s Football: Major tournaments and developmental events have proceeded without Russian participation for nearly four years.
A Consistent Stance
This is not the first time the FIFA chief has voiced support for Russia’s return. In 2025, Infantino stated he was “cheering” for Russia’s comeback, framing it as a symbol that the conflict had reached a resolution. However, his latest comments suggest a shift toward lifting the ban regardless of the immediate geopolitical status, under the belief that sports can mitigate the social animosity built up during the exclusion.
Potential Industry Backlash
Infantino’s position remains controversial within the global football hierarchy. While he advocates for a return—starting with youth levels—many European federations and UEFA members have previously expressed strong opposition to competing against Russian sides while the conflict in Ukraine continues.
Key Highlights:
- The Statement: Infantino claims the ban has only “created more frustration and hatred.”
- Youth Focus: The President is specifically pushing for the return of Russian boys and girls to European competitions.
- Historical Context: Russia has now been excluded from three consecutive major tournament cycles (WC 2022, Euro 2024, WC 2026).
Source: Sky News
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