FIFA president Infantino sparks outrage after calling for lifting of Russia ban

FIFA president Gianni Infantino speaks at the 49th UEFA General Assembly, held at the Sava Convention Center in Belgrade, Serbia, on April 3, 2025. Photo by Reuters

Speaking to Sky News at a football event in London, Infantino stated that FIFA must review the suspension of Russia from international tournaments. The ban, implemented nearly four years ago following the start of the war in Ukraine, excludes Russian football teams from all FIFA and UEFA competitions, including the World Cup and Champions League.

"Because this ban has not achieved anything, it has just created more frustration and hatred," he said. "Having girls and boys from Russia being able to play football games in other parts of Europe would help."

Infantino considered the potential reintegration of Russian youth teams as a cautious step to assess the global reaction. This aligns with recent FIFA Council plans to organize U15 football festivals open to all 211 member federations.

Ukraine reactions

The proposal drew an immediate and strong response from Ukrainian officials.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha slammed Infantino, calling him "moral degenerate," emphasizing the human cost of the conflict.

"679 Ukrainian girls and boys will never be able to play football - Russia killed them," Sybiha said, as quoted by Tribuna.

Ukrainian Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi called Infantino's statement "irresponsible and infantile" for attempting to separate sport from the reality of war. Bidnyi noted that over 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches, including more than 100 footballers, have been killed since the conflict began.

The Ukrainian Football Association also urged FIFA not to change its stance while the war continues, stating that suspension is an "effective method of pressure against the aggressor."

Infantino's stance also puts him at odds with European football's governing body. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has announced that Russia can only rejoin football when the war ends. The UEFA Executive Committee is set to meet later this month to discuss the matter.

The timing of Infantino's comments is also drawing scrutiny due to the political context surrounding FIFA's preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The FIFA president's close ties to U.S. President Donald Trump have been noted, with the organization recently opening an office in Trump Tower in New York and appointing Trump’s daughter Ivanka to the board of an education fund linked to the tournament.