Ukraine slams FIFA president Gianni Infantino for suggesting Russian teams could return, calling his remarks irresponsible amid ongoing war

Ukraine’s sports minister, Matvii Bidnyi, has sharply criticised FIFA president Gianni Infantino after he suggested the governing body may consider lifting the ban on Russian national sides and clubs.

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The Russian teams were suspended from all FIFA and UEFA competitions in February 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Infantino recently described the ban as ineffective, claiming it “has just created more frustration and hatred” and suggested that allowing Russian children to play football in Europe could ease tensions.

Speaking to Sky News, Bidnyi called the FIFA president’s remarks “irresponsible” and “infantile,” accusing him of detaching football from the reality of the ongoing war, where civilians, including children, continue to be killed.

“War is a crime, not politics. It is Russia that politicises sport and uses it to justify aggression,” Bidnyi said.

He reaffirmed the Ukrainian Association of Football’s stance against Russia returning to international competitions, insisting that Russian flags and symbols have “no place among people who respect values such as justice, integrity and fair play.”

Infantino’s comments have reignited debate over Russia’s status in international sport. While FIFA and UEFA bans remain in force, Russia has continued to play matches against non-Western nations without permission from the governing bodies.

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Ukraine has also criticised the International Paralympic Committee for lifting restrictions on athletes from Russia and Belarus, arguing that it allows the countries to display national symbols despite ongoing military aggression.