UEFA is ready to prevent Russian national teams from returning to international football despite the International Olympic Committee (IOC) provisionally lifting Russia’s suspension from global competition.
FIFA is currently reviewing its ban on Russian teams, which was imposed following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine four years ago. The world governing body stated on Tuesday that it would “analyse the decision before deciding on next steps”.
However, European football’s governing body maintains a firm stance against readmission. Sources at several national associations indicate there is no realistic prospect of Russian sides rejoining European competitions or the World Cup, as European qualifying is run by UEFA.
Major western European federations, including those in England, Germany and France, remain strongly opposed to Russia’s return. UEFA was forced to abandon plans to reintroduce Russian youth sides three years ago after facing backlash from at least a dozen member associations.
The position of UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin is significant as he seeks re-election next year, making it unlikely he would risk alienating his electorate by supporting Russia’s comeback.
In contrast, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has indicated he would welcome Russia’s return. Infantino told Sky News in February: “This ban has not achieved anything, it has just created more frustration and hatred.” Infantino, who worked with Vladimir Putin to stage the 2018 World Cup in Russia, recently helped facilitate a Russia under-15s boys’ team competing at a youth World Cup in Azerbaijan.
World Cup and Olympic implications
Even if FIFA permitted Russia to enter World Cup qualifying via another confederation, similar to Israel’s arrangement in Europe, the move would likely face boycotts from European teams if Russia reached the tournament.
The IOC’s decision paves the way for Russian athletes to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. However, the IOC has clarified that individual sports have discretion to make their own decisions, and Russia cannot compete in football at the 2028 Olympics because qualification tournaments have already begun.
Tensions between governing bodies
The Russia issue marks another point of conflict between football’s two most powerful organisations. UEFA and FIFA clashed publicly this week after FIFA’s disciplinary committee lifted Folarin Balogun‘s suspension before the USA‘s last-16 World Cup defeat by Belgium. UEFA accused FIFA of crossing “a red line” that undermined the tournament’s integrity, prompting FIFA to respond with accusations of hypocrisy.