Ukraine's sports minister has called FIFA president Gianni Infantino 'irresponsible' and 'infantile' for saying that world football's governing body will look at lifting a ban on Russia.
Russian national teams and clubs were suspended from all competitions by FIFA and UEFA in February 2022 following the country’s invasion of Ukraine. Infantino, in his recent remarks, stated that 'this ban has not achieved anything' and suggested that enabling Russian players to participate in football could reduce frustration and hatred.
In response, Ukrainian Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi condemned Infantino's remarks via social media, asserting that they detach football from the grim reality where children are being killed. He reflected on the tragic losses, mentioning over 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches killed since the onset of Russia's aggression, including more than one hundred footballers.
Infantino, who received the Russian Order of Friendship medal from President Vladimir Putin after the 2018 World Cup, faces increasing scrutiny for his stance. Since the ban, Russian teams have been unable to play in major tournaments like the 2022 World Cup and UEFA's Euro 2024.
Despite the restrictions from FIFA and UEFA, Russia has managed to compete in matches against non-Western nations, bypassing the sanctions. Ukraine's Minister emphasized that with Russia continuing its military actions, symbols of their national pride have no place in sports, advocating for justice and fair play.
Last year's decision by the International Paralympic Committee to lift a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes was similarly criticized, reflecting wider concerns about Russia's politicization of sport amidst ongoing conflicts.
Russian national teams and clubs were suspended from all competitions by FIFA and UEFA in February 2022 following the country’s invasion of Ukraine. Infantino, in his recent remarks, stated that 'this ban has not achieved anything' and suggested that enabling Russian players to participate in football could reduce frustration and hatred.
In response, Ukrainian Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi condemned Infantino's remarks via social media, asserting that they detach football from the grim reality where children are being killed. He reflected on the tragic losses, mentioning over 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches killed since the onset of Russia's aggression, including more than one hundred footballers.
Infantino, who received the Russian Order of Friendship medal from President Vladimir Putin after the 2018 World Cup, faces increasing scrutiny for his stance. Since the ban, Russian teams have been unable to play in major tournaments like the 2022 World Cup and UEFA's Euro 2024.
Despite the restrictions from FIFA and UEFA, Russia has managed to compete in matches against non-Western nations, bypassing the sanctions. Ukraine's Minister emphasized that with Russia continuing its military actions, symbols of their national pride have no place in sports, advocating for justice and fair play.
Last year's decision by the International Paralympic Committee to lift a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes was similarly criticized, reflecting wider concerns about Russia's politicization of sport amidst ongoing conflicts.
