The Digester

FIFA boss urges Russia's return to international football, Ukraine condemns

Mar 10th 2026

FIFA chief Gianni Infantino wants Russia readmitted to international football after a ban imposed in 2022, prompting strong criticism from Ukraine and leaving UEFA and the IOC facing pressure over how and when Russia could return to global sport.

  • FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the ban on Russia has not worked and called for reinstating Russian teams to international football.
  • Russia has been banned from international football since its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine and was expelled from the 2022 World Cup.
  • Ukraine sports minister Matvii Bidnyi called Infantino's remarks irresponsible while the war and civilian casualties continue.
  • UEFA can decide to reinstate Russia but its president has said the invasion must end before a return to competitive football.
  • The IOC has approved 13 Russian and seven Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics under strict criteria.
  • IOC head Kirsty Coventry said sport should be a neutral ground, comments that could open a path for Russia to return to the Olympic stage in future Games.

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