FIFA President Believes Russia's Exclusion from Competitions Has 'Brought Nothing'

Statements that could divide the sports world. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed a desire to lift the ban on Russia participating in international competitions, which has been in place for four years, arguing that it has 'brought nothing'. Russian clubs and the national team have been suspended from FIFA and UEFA competitions since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

'This suspension has brought nothing; it has only increased frustration and hatred,' Infantino told Sky Sports. 'Allowing Russian girls and boys to play football in other parts of Europe would help.' He also stated that FIFA should 'never actually ban a country from playing football due to the actions of its political leaders.' 'Someone has to maintain the links,' added the 55-year-old leader.

Ukraine has condemned the comments as 'irresponsible'. Ukrainian Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi described the FIFA president's statements as 'irresponsible' and 'childish.' 'They disconnect football from the reality where children are being killed,' Matvii Bidnyi told Sky Sports.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin maintained that the war in Ukraine must end for Russia to be reinstated, echoing statements made during the UEFA Congress closing press conference last April.

Gianni Infantino also defended FIFA's decision to award a peace prize to former U.S. President Donald Trump during the draw for the 2026 World Cup. 'We must do everything we can to contribute to peace in the world, which is why we have been thinking for some time about doing something to reward those who act,' he said. 'Objectively, he (Trump) deserves it.'