FIFA to Discuss Lifting Ban on Russian Teams

FIFA has said it will review the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to provisionally lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee. According to Sky News, world soccer’s governing body will formally discuss lifting the ban on Russian teams, which has been in place since 2022.

Russian teams have not played in international competitions since FIFA and UEFA imposed the ban after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions kept Russia out of qualifying for the 2022 and 2026 Men’s World Cups and the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino indicated in February that Russia’s return should be considered, saying the ban “has not achieved anything” and had “just created more frustration and hatred”.

FIFA has already allowed Russia’s under-15 boys’ team to compete at a youth World Cup in Azerbaijan in October.

(mja)