Kyiv has condemned the head of world soccer Gianni Infantino for suggesting an end to Russia’s suspension from international competitions imposed after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The head of international soccer’s governing body FIFA said that the ban put in place following Russia’s aggression should be lifted, particularly in youth categories.
But Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha posted on X: “Six-hundred seventy-nine Ukrainian girls and boys will never be able to play football — Russia killed them.”
Newsweek has contacted FIFA for comment.
Why It Matters
Russia’s participation in world sport has been a fraught topic since it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. FIFA suspended the country from all competitions and the International Olympic Committee banned Russia for its violation of the official Olympic Truce, although some athletes from the country do compete as “neutral” participants.
But Infantino’s comments for Russia to be brought in from its sporting isolation have caused outrage, raising questions about the links between sport and politics.
What To Know
Infantino told U.K. outlet Sky Sports that FIFA should lift the ban on Russia’s participation in international competitions, especially in youth categories, saying that its isolation has achieved nothing apart from fostering frustration and hatred.
But Ukraine’s foreign minister referred to the 679 Ukrainian children who had been killed since the start of Moscow’s full-scale invasion, thereby depriving them of the chance of ever playing soccer.
Sybiha said on X that “Russia keeps killing more while moral degenerates suggest lifting bans” and that “future generations will view this as a shame reminiscent of the 1936 Olympics,” in reference to the games held in Berlin amid the ascendancy of Adolf Hitler.
Others also condemned Infantino’s comments. Ukrainian X account, Kate from Kharkiv, posted that lifting the ban doesn’t just let Russia compete, “it forces Ukraine and the world to treat state-sponsored murder as part of the game.”
Nebraska Republican Representative Don Bacon posted on X: “Russia should still be banned from playing FIFA Soccer while they continue their barbaric invasion. Treat Putin like the pariah he is.”
FIFA has faced criticism during the war. It briefly lifted the ban on participation by under-17 players from Russia in 2023 but reversed the decision after it caused outrage. In December 2024, it displayed a map during the 2026 World Cup draw that excluded Crimea from Ukraine.
Meanwhile, an investigation by Follow the Money found that FIFA had pressured European soccer clubs to pay outstanding transfer fees to Russia, despite international sanctions.
What People Are Saying
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, on Sky Sports: “Allowing boys and girls from Russia to play football in other parts of Europe could help. It’s something we have to do, definitely, at least in the youth categories.”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on X: “679 Ukrainian girls and boys will never be able to play football — Russia killed them. And it keeps killing more while moral degenerates suggest lifting bans, despite Russia’s failure to end its war.
Ukrainian X account, Kate from Kharkiv: “FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s push to lift the ban on Russia reveals a complete and total moral rot. As Russia continues to slaughter Ukrainian athletes and footballers daily, FIFA is prepared to welcome the murderers back to the field.”
What Happens Next
Ahead of the Milan Winter Olympics this month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky imposed sanctions against individuals and groups connected to Russian sport to show how Moscow used it to leverage state-sponsored propaganda. Infantino’s comments will likely add to the debate about links between sport and politics.