FIFA President Gianni Infantino Calls for Lifting Russia’s Football Ban, Criticizes “Fruitless” Sanctions
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly advocated for lifting international football bans on Russian teams, calling the two-year exclusion “counterproductive” during a Sky News interview on Monday. The football leader argued restrictions imposed after Russia’s 2022 Ukraine invasion failed to achieve political objectives while harming young athletes.
Current Sanctions and Infantino’s Stance
Since February 2022, FIFA and UEFA have barred all Russian and Belarusian national teams and clubs from international competitions under recommendations from the International Olympic Committee. This excluded Russia from 2022 World Cup qualification and Belarus from Euro 2024 qualifying.
Infantino proposed phased reintegration: “We must allow Russian youth teams to compete internationally first. Preventing children from playing football only breeds resentment without resolving conflicts.” He emphasized football’s role in diplomacy, citing historical examples like the “Football War” ceasefire negotiations.
Controversial Comments on Israel and Awards
The FIFA president simultaneously rejected calls to ban Israel amid the Gaza conflict, stating: “Excluding countries for governmental actions sets dangerous precedents. Our statutes must protect football from political interference.” Human rights organizations report over 34,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023 according to Gaza Health Ministry data.
Infantino also defended FIFA’s decision to award former U.S. President Donald Trump its new “Peace Prize,” claiming: “Objectively, he deserves recognition for mediating Balkan disputes.” The award references Trump’s involvement in the 2020 Kosovo-Serbia economic normalization talks, though critics note ongoing tensions in the region.
Reactions from Football Community
The International Olympic Committee maintains its February 2024 position supporting Ukraine athletes while condemning Russia’s war. No timetable exists for Russia’s potential return to senior FIFA competitions, though Under-17 teams may see earliest reinstatement.
Source: Original report from Diario de Mallorca
Images Credit: www.diariodemallorca.es