Ukraine’s Minister of Sports has slammed FIFA President Gianni Infantino over remarks suggesting a possible lifting of the ban on Russian teams, describing the comments as “irresponsible” and “childish.”
Russian national teams and clubs were suspended by FIFA and UEFA in February 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The sanctions have since kept Russia out of major competitions, including the 2022 World Cup and UEFA Euro 2024, and will also bar the country from the 2026 World Cup.
However, Infantino recently questioned the effectiveness of the ban, saying it “has not achieved anything” and has only fueled “frustration and hatred.”
He added that allowing Russian children to participate in football across Europe could have positive effects.
Reacting on social media, Ukraine’s Sports Minister, Matvii Bidnyi, said Infantino’s comments ignored the human cost of the war.
“Gianni Infantino’s remarks are irresponsible, to say the least. They separate football from the grim reality in which children are losing their lives,” Bidnyi said.
Read Also:
- Inter go 8 points clear in Serie A after 2-0 win at Cremonese
- 10-man Brentford shock Aston Villa to dent title push
- SPORTS: Guirassy double seals Dortmund comeback win over Heidenheim
He disclosed that since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, more than 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed, including over 100 footballers.
Bidnyi also recalled that Infantino received Russia’s Order of Friendship medal from President Vladimir Putin following the 2018 World Cup hosted by Russia.
Despite the suspension, Russia has continued to play international matches against non-Western countries outside FIFA and UEFA competitions.
“War is a crime, not a political issue,” Bidnyi added. “It is Russia that politicises sport and uses it to justify its aggression.”
He aligned his position with that of the Ukrainian Association of Football, which continues to oppose Russia’s return to international football.
“As long as Russians continue to kill Ukrainians and exploit sport for propaganda, their flag and national symbols have no place among those who value justice, integrity and fair play,” he said.
Ukraine also recalled its condemnation of the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) decision last year to lift restrictions on athletes from Russia and Belarus.
The Ukrainian National Paralympic Committee accused the IPC of allowing countries “whose flags are stained with blood” back into competition.
Although the IPC later lifted the ban, Russian and Belarusian athletes will not compete in the upcoming Winter Paralympics, as most governing bodies for the sports involved have retained their restrictions, while ice hockey eligibility came too late for qualification.
