The Federal Ministry of the Interior has criticized the readmission of Russian youth teams and opposed the stance of the German Football Association (DFB).
As long as Russian President Vladimir Putin continues his war of aggression, it is “the completely wrong way to open the door to international sports competitions for Russia and Belarus,” the ministry said in response to a request from the WDR magazine “Sport inside”.
Accordingly, the Federal Minister of the Interior, Nancy Faeser (SPD), who is responsible for sport, has repeatedly spoken out against the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes. “Also to UEFA,” emphasized the ministry. The full solidarity of sport must continue to apply to Ukraine.
UEFA allows Russian youth teams to return to association competitions under certain conditions. The world association FIFA made a similar decision.
The DFB followed the decision and agreed to the UEFA exco through deputy Hans-Joachim Watzke, and President Bernd Neuendorf also sits on the FIFA Council. Several national associations in Europe, in addition to Ukraine, have announced a boycott of games against Russian teams.
The matter will apparently be discussed again at the UEFA Executive Committee meeting in Nyon on Tuesday. According to Sport inside, the topic is on the agenda. It is therefore unclear whether there will be another vote.