Ukraine’s Sports Minister has strongly criticized FIFA President Gianni Infantino, labeling the head of the global football governing body as ‘irresponsible’ for considering lifting the ban on Russian national and club teams from international football competitions.
Russian national teams and clubs have been suspended from all FIFA and UEFA competitions since February 2022, a direct consequence of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Infantino’s rationale for potentially easing the restrictions reportedly stems from a belief that the ongoing ban, which has been in place for nearly two years, has not yielded the desired effect of halting the conflict. He was quoted stating that ‘the previous ban on Russian athletes did not achieve anything but create more frustration and hatred. The war is still going on.’ The FIFA President also reportedly suggested that the ban has unjustly prevented young Russian athletes from developing their talents and participating in international play.
The FIFA President’s comments quickly drew the ire of Ukrainian officials. In a scathing rebuke posted on social media, Ukrainian Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi expressed his profound dissatisfaction, asserting, ‘The words of Infantino seem irresponsible at all.’ Bidnyi continued by directly addressing the human cost of the conflict, stating, ‘I would like to remind you that since Russia invaded Ukraine, thousands of Ukrainian children have been killed. More than 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have also been tragically killed by Russia, including more than 100 football players.’
This controversy also brings into focus FIFA President Infantino’s past relationship with Russian leadership, notably when he was awarded Russia’s Order of Friendship medal by President Vladimir Putin following Russia’s hosting of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The existing ban has notably prevented Russia from competing in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Euro 2024 qualifiers, and will also exclude them from participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite the comprehensive bans from FIFA and UEFA, Russia has, however, continued to play some international football matches against national teams not affiliated with or under the direct jurisdiction of either governing body.
