UEFA to Block Russia’s Return to International Football

UEFA is prepared to block the return of Russian teams to international football, even after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, The Guardian reported.

FIFA has said it will analyze the situation, but several major European football associations, including those of England, Germany and France, continue to oppose Russia’s reinstatement.

UEFA has already abandoned one attempt to reintegrate Russian youth teams after opposition from member countries.

By contrast, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has long argued in favor of Russia’s return, saying that sports sanctions have not had the desired effect.

Although the IOC has reinstated the Russian Olympic Committee, it stressed that individual sports federations will make the final decision on Russia’s participation.

(mja)