Ukraine has expressed strong criticism of FIFA President Gianni Infantino on both a sporting and political level. He had spoken out in favor of allowing Russian players and teams to take part in competitions again.
Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha described Infantino as “morally degenerate”. Sports Minister Matwij Bidny spoke of “irresponsible” Statements. The Ukrainian Football Association (UFA) made it known that the exclusion should not end as long as the war continues.
On Tuesday, Infantino appeared open to lifting the ban against Russia. “We have to”said the Swiss on the British broadcaster Sky when asked whether Russia’s return needed to be examined: “Absolutely – at least in the youth sector. This ban has achieved nothing. It just caused frustration and hate.”
Comparison to the Berlin Games of 1936
He added, “that it would help if girls and boys from Russia could play football in other parts of Europe”. Sybiha specifically referred to this statement – and did not shy away from a historical comparison.
“679 Ukrainian girls and boys will never be able to play football – Russia killed them”the Foreign Minister wrote on social networks: “And it continues to kill while moral degenerates propose lifting sanctions even though Russia has not ended its war. Future generations will see this as a disgrace reminiscent of the 1936 Olympics.”
Russian U15 teams are allowed to take part again
Shortly 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 an end to the war. In December 2025, the FIFA Council confirmed that Russian teams would be allowed to take part in U15 tournaments.
The world football association followed the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which had recently advocated for an “unrestricted” return of Russians to international youth competitions.
