US EditionUkraine sports minister slams FIFA president’s consideration of Russia rejoining
FIFA President Infantino argues Russia's ban has increased frustration and calls for youth players' return, despite strong opposition from Ukraine's sports minister and football federation.
- This week, Ukraine's sports minister called Gianni Infantino's comments irresponsible and said the Russia ban has not achieved anything, only creating more frustration and hatred.
- Since 2022, FIFA and UEFA banned Russia from international competition after its invasion, but in 2023 allowed under-17 teams to compete under neutral names, colours, and without national symbols.
- Ukraine highlighted the human toll, saying more than 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed since Russia's full-scale aggression, including more than one hundred footballers.
- The Ukrainian Association of Football warned against Russia's return to international competitions, with Bidnyi sharing that stance, while Infantino opposes bans for political leaders' acts.
- Ukrainian officials say Russia politicises sport and use it to justify aggression; Bidnyi called Infantino's remarks irresponsible and infantile, deepening diplomatic tensions.
15 Articles
15 Articles
"I fully support the FIFA president's statements that Russia should be brought back," says Dame N'Doye.
FIFA president added to Ukraine’s state-linked ‘kill list’
FIFA president added to Ukraine’s state-linked ‘kill list’ –Gianni Infantino added after criticizing a ban on Russian football players | 3 Feb 2026 | FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been added to the “kill list” maintained by Ukraine’s state-backed Mirotvorets website, which publishes the personal data of individuals it labels as enemies of the state. The website accuses Infantino of “humanitarian aggression against Ukraine” and “systemic su…
'Infantile': Ukraine sports minister slams FIFA president's consideration of Russia rejoining
FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s statements regarding the possibility of reviewing the suspension of Russia’s participation in international competitions have reignited a broad debate about the consistency of FIFA’s standards in dealing with armed conflicts. Both FIFA and UEFA suspended the participation of Russian national teams and clubs in February 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. At the time, FIFA said the move was aimed at …
Ukrainian Minister of Sports Matviy Bidniy today called the president of the International Football Federation (FIFA) Gianni Infantino "irresponsible" and "infantile" for announcing that the organization will consider lifting the ban on Russia.
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