FIFA to consider Russia’s return to international tournaments

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) said it would begin discussions on whether to lift the ban on Russian national teams and clubs from international tournaments, in response to recent changes in the position of the International Olympic Committee.

This is reported by Sky News, citing an official statement from FIFA.

The federation confirmed that they are analyzing the IOC’s decision to temporarily lift the disqualification of the Russian Olympic Committee, after which they will decide on further steps.

“FIFA has been informed of the IOC’s decision to temporarily lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee. FIFA will review this decision before deciding on further steps in coordination with relevant stakeholders,” the organization said in a statement.

Earlier, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that the football community should consider the return of Russian teams to international tournaments.

“This ban has achieved nothing, it has only increased frustration and hatred,” Infantino said.

Meanwhile, FIFA has already taken the first step towards easing restrictions. The organization has allowed the Russian youth national team (U-15) to participate in the World Cup, which will be held in Azerbaijan this fall.

However, the Union of European Football Associations has not yet changed its position. In 2023, the organization was forced to abandon plans to return Russian youth teams after protests from a number of European countries.

Recall that after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, FIFA and UEFA suspended all Russian national teams and clubs from participating in international competitions.

As reported, the International Olympic Committee(IOC) has temporarily reinstated the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) . The ban on its activities was in effect from October 12, 2023.

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