“Irresponsible”
Ukraine reacts to Infantino’s Russia statements
02/03/2026 – 11:33 a.mReading time: 2 minutes
Russian teams are currently not allowed to take part in the Olympic Games. Gianni Infantino expressed his desire to return – and received a lot of criticism for it.
Sharp words from Kiev: Ukraine clearly criticized Fifa President Gianni Infantino after his statements about the possible return of Russian teams – both sportingly and politically. Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha called the Swiss “morally degenerate.” Sports Minister Matwij Bidny spoke of “irresponsible” statements. The Ukrainian Football Association (UFA) also objected and made it clear that Russia’s exclusion should not end as long as the war continues.
The trigger was an interview with Infantino on Tuesday. In it, the FIFA President appeared open to lifting the ban against Russia. “We have to,” Infantino said on British broadcaster Sky when asked whether Russia’s return needed to be examined. He added: “Absolutely – at least in the youth sector. This ban has achieved nothing. It has only caused frustration and hatred.” Infantino also said “it would help if girls and boys from Russia could play football in other parts of Europe.”
Sybiha responded with clear words and referred to the consequences of the war. “679 Ukrainian girls and boys will never be able to play football – Russia killed them,” the foreign minister wrote on social networks. He continued: “And it continues to kill while moral degenerates propose lifting sanctions even though Russia has not ended its war.” Finally, Sybiha drew a historical comparison: future generations would see this as a disgrace “reminiscent of the 1936 Olympics.”
After Russia’s attack on Ukraine in 2022, which violated international law, FIFA and the European Football Union (Uefa) blocked their current competitions for Russian participants. As early as April 2025, Infantino had shown himself open to Russia’s return in connection with a possible end to the war.
In December 2025, the Fifa Council finally confirmed that Russian teams would be allowed to take part in U15 tournaments. The world football association followed a recommendation from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which had recently spoken out in favor of an “unrestricted” return of Russians to international youth competitions.
