Ukraine’s sports minister has strongly criticised Fifa president Gianni Infantino for suggesting that Russia’s ban from international football could be lifted.
Russian teams and clubs have been suspended since February 2022 following the country’s invasion of Ukraine, with no return date currently confirmed.
Infantino recently said the ban had “not achieved anything” and argued that allowing Russian children to play football in Europe could reduce frustration and hostility.
Ukraine Minister Condemns Infantino’s Comments
In response, sports minister Matvii Bidnyi described Infantino’s remarks as “irresponsible” and “infantile” in a social media post.
He said football cannot be separated from the reality of war, highlighting that hundreds of Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed since the conflict began.
Bidnyi added that allowing Russia back into competitions would ignore the suffering caused by the ongoing aggression.
Russia Still Isolated From Major Tournaments
Since the suspension, Russia has missed the 2022 World Cup, Euro 2024, and will also be absent from the 2026 World Cup.
However, the country has continued to play unofficial international matches against non-Western nations without approval from Fifa or Uefa.
Infantino has previously faced criticism for his close ties with Russia, including receiving an award after the 2018 World Cup.
Ukraine Warns Against Normalising Russian Return
Ukraine’s football authorities have backed the government’s stance, warning that Russia continues to use sport for political purposes.
Bidnyi said Russian flags and symbols should not appear in competitions while the war continues.
Similar criticism was made last year after the International Paralympic Committee eased restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes, a move Ukraine strongly opposed.
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