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Gianni Infantino sparked outrage in Ukraine by suggesting FIFA may lift its ban on Russia.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino (X)
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino has created a huge stir in Ukraine by suggesting that the world football governing body is open to reconsidering its blanket ban on Russia. FIFA, in conjunction with European Football’s UEFA, banned Russian teams from both club and international competitions in 2022 after Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, with the full-scale war entering its fourth year this month.
In an interview with Sky News, which was released on Monday, Infantino was asked whether he’d consider lifting the ban. The administrator replied that FIFA ‘had to’ do it for the ban had ‘not achieved anything’ and only ‘created more frustration and hatred’. He went on to say he was against banning any team in the future due to the ‘acts of violence’ of their politicians.
In response, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Sybiha posted on social media: “679 Ukrainian girls and boys will never be able to play football — Russia killed them. And it keeps killing more while moral degenerates suggest lifting bans, despite Russia’s failure to end its war. Future generations will view this as a shame reminiscent of the 1936 Olympics.”
Ukraine’s sports minister Matvii Bidnyi also chimed in: “Gianni Infantino’s words sound irresponsible — not to say infantile. They detach football from the reality of children being killed … As long as Russians continue killing Ukrainians and politicising sport, their flag and national symbols have no place among people who respect values such as justice, integrity and fair play.”
The Ukrainian Football Association (UFA) also urged FIFA to maintain the ban while the war continues. Citing ongoing attacks, civilian casualties and widespread destruction across Ukraine, the UFA said conditions have not improved. It rejected claims that the ban is ineffective, arguing that suspension pressures the aggressor and that Russia’s return would threaten the safety and integrity of competitions.
This comes as FIFA faces pressure to act against Israel. The Palestinian FA has criticised FIFA over alleged statute breaches linked to the Gaza war. FIFA has also faced past scrutiny over Russia, including hosting the 2018 World Cup after Crimea’s annexation.
February 03, 2026, 10:10 IST
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