Russian footballers will soon be able to take part in competitions under their flag again. FIFA paved the way for this.
At its meeting in the Qatari capital Doha, the FIFA Council, as the highest decision-making body, confirmed on Wednesday (December 17, 2025) that U15 tournaments for boys and girls will be introduced.
The invitation to participate goes out to all 211 member associations, including Russia. Although Russian national and club teams were excluded from international competitions shortly after the start of the war of aggression against Ukraine, which violated international law, in February 2022, the national football association remained a member of both the world association and the European Football Union UEFA.
Recommendation of the IOC
With the invitation to the U15 tournaments, which are to be held for boys in 2026 and a year later for girls, FIFA is following a recommendation from the International Olympic Committee.
The IOC Executive Board suggested a week earlier that Russian juniors would again be allowed to take part in international competitions under the country’s flag, both with their club and national teams.
In its communication on the introduction of its “own U15 festivals for boys and girls,” FIFA does not explicitly address the reintegration of Russia.
As early as 2023, it looked like Russian youth teams would find their way onto the international stage again. The UEFA Executive Committee with league president Hans-Joachim Watzke and the FIFA Council with DFB President Bernd Neuendorf agreed to the readmission of Russian U17 teams. However, after several European associations threatened to boycott competitions, the decisions were suspended.
Complete return in judo
In other sports, adult athletes are again competing under the Russian flag, such as judo.
After a long suspension, Russians are allowed to compete again in equestrian sports and fencing, but under a neutral flag.
The Russian national football teams have not been allowed to take part in any major tournaments since the beginning of the war. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin recently indicated that the suspension of teams would continue until at least a ceasefire was agreed.