FIFA President Infantino Signals Openness to Russia’s Return to Football

Gianni Infantino, president of world football’s governing body FIFA, has said Russia’s exclusion from international football should not be considered permanent, arguing that banning countries because of the actions of their political leaders has failed to deliver meaningful outcomes.

In recent interviews, Infantino said the suspension imposed on Russian teams after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine “has not achieved anything” and warned that prolonged isolation risks producing “more frustration and more hatred.” “We should never ban a country from playing football because of the acts of its political leaders,” he said, adding that football should remain a space for engagement rather than collective punishment.

Infantino also suggested that a return, at least at youth level, could be constructive. Allowing Russian girls and boys to compete internationally, he said, would be “a positive step” and could help prevent younger generations from being cut off from the game.

The remarks prompted strong and coordinated criticism from Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Infantino’s comments ignore the reality of an ongoing war and misrepresent the reasons behind Russia’s exclusion. “Russia was not banned because of politics,” Sybiha said. “Russia was banned because it launched a brutal war.” He added that speaking about a return while civilians and children continue to be killed is deeply irresponsible.

Criticism was echoed by Ukraine’s Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi, who described Infantino’s remarks as “irresponsible” and “infantile,” arguing that they detach football from the reality of a war in which athletes, civilians and children have been directly affected. Ukrainian officials stressed that sport cannot be abstracted from a conflict that has destroyed stadiums, displaced players and suspended competitions.

The Ukrainian Association of Football also warned that allowing Russia back into international competitions while the war continues would undermine core principles such as justice, fair play and accountability in global sport. Ukrainian authorities said reinstatement without a change in circumstances would send a signal that violations of international norms carry no lasting consequences.

In Russia, Infantino’s comments were welcomed by officials, who reiterated Moscow’s long-standing argument that sport should not be politicised and that Russian teams should be restored to international competitions.

Despite the renewed controversy, there has been no indication of an imminent policy shift. Russia remains suspended from FIFA and UEFA competitions, and any reversal would require broad consensus among football authorities amid sustained opposition from Ukraine and several European associations.