FIFA will consider the return of Russian teams to international tournaments after the IOC decision

FIFA will officially discuss the possibility of lifting the ban on Russian teams participating in international competitions after the International Olympic Committee called on sports federations to review sanctions imposed due to the war. This is reported by Sky News, writes UNN.

Details

Russian national teams and clubs have not participated in tournaments under the auspices of FIFA and UEFA since 2022, when they were suspended from international competitions following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

FIFA confirmed that it has received information about the IOC's decision to temporarily lift the disqualification of the Russian Olympic Committee and intends to analyze it.

FIFA has received information about the IOC's decision to temporarily lift the disqualification of the Russian Olympic Committee. FIFA will analyze this decision before deciding on next steps in coordination with relevant stakeholders

The final decision will remain with the sports federations

After the change in IOC recommendations, international federations will independently decide whether to return Russian teams to competitions. This opens up the possibility for the Russian national team to participate in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, if the relevant federations make a positive decision.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated back in February that the issue of returning Russian teams should be considered.

This ban achieved nothing, it only created even more disappointment and hatred.

At the same time, FIFA has already allowed the Russian U-15 national team to compete in the Youth World Cup, which will take place in October in Azerbaijan. In contrast, UEFA in 2023 abandoned plans to return Russian youth teams after a negative reaction from European football associations.