“It Has Achieved Nothing”: FIFA Boss Pushes for End to Russia’s Youth Ban

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called for a significant shift in international football policy, advocating for the return of Russian youth teams to global competition.

Speaking in London during the Women’s Champions Cup weekend, the FIFA chief argued that the current blanket ban, which has been in place for nearly four years, has failed to achieve its intended goals and is instead fostering long-term animosity.

Infantino’s remarks suggest a growing desire within the upper echelons of FIFA to reintegrate Russia into the global footballing community, starting with its youngest players.

He told reporters that the exclusion of Russian athletes has produced little more than “frustration and hatred,” and suggested that allowing boys and girls from the country to compete across Europe could serve as a tool for reconciliation.

According to the FIFA president, revisiting the ban for youth categories is a step that the organization “definitely” needs to take.

The original suspension was enacted in February 2022 through a joint decision by FIFA and UEFA, following the invasion of Ukraine

This move effectively barred Russia from the 2022 World Cup and halted the participation of all national and club teams in international fixtures.

While the ban was initially described as lasting “until further notice,” Infantino has previously signaled a desire to bring the nation back into the “football landscape” as a sign of normalization.

However, the path to reinstatement remains complicated by deep divisions within the sport’s leadership.

Last year, UEFA attempted to soften its stance by allowing Under-17 teams to return to competition, but the governing body was forced to abandon the plan following a wave of protests from various member federations.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has maintained a more rigid position than his FIFA counterpart, asserting that Russia’s readmission should only occur after the conflict in Ukraine has ceased.

Despite the formal restrictions on tournament play, Russia has maintained a presence on the pitch through international friendlies.

Recent signals from the FIFA Council suggest that the door may be creaking open; a newly announced U15 festival, scheduled for next year, is reportedly open to all 211 member associations.

This inclusive language technically encompasses Russia, hinting at a potential pilot for the youth-led reintegration Infantino is championing.

The authority to officially oversee Russia’s return to European competitions rests with the UEFA executive committee.

As that body prepares to meet later this month, Infantino’s latest comments are expected to intensify the debate over whether football should remain a tool for diplomatic pressure or a bridge for the next generation.