Gianni Infantino has again reiterated his desire to lift Russia’s ban from international football, with the FIFA president claiming it has created ‘more frustration and hatred’
Russia’s national side and club teams have been banned from both FIFA and UEFA competitions at all levels since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The sanction led to Russia’s expulsion from qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Russia have since been excluded from the Euro 2024 and 2026 World Cup qualifying campaigns, as well as major women’s tournaments and youth level events.
In an interview with Sky News, Infantino has expressed a desire to lift Russia’s ban and hopes to welcome the nation back in youth level competitions.
‘We have to, definitely,’ Infantino said when asked about potentially lifting the ban.
‘Because this ban has not achieved anything, it has just created more frustration and hatred.’
He added: ‘Having girls and boys from Russia being able to play football games in other parts of Europe would help.’
It is not the first time Infantino has spoken in favour of Russia’s potential return competitive action.
Last year, Infantino said he was ‘cheering’ for Russia’s return as it would have meant the conflict had been resolved.
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