UEFA is preparing to block the return of Russian teams to international competitions, a stance that contrasts with the recent decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to lift the country’s suspension and anticipates a new confrontation with FIFA. It is worth recalling that Russian teams were banned from all competitions four years ago following the large-scale invasion of Ukraine. In the wake of the IOC’s decision, FIFA has already indicated that it will reassess its position, stating on Tuesday that it would “analyze the decision before deciding on the next steps.” Despite the absence of an official comment from UEFA, sources from various national federations assure that there is no realistic scenario for the return of Russian teams to European football. This uncompromising position jeopardizes Russia’s participation in the World Cup, as the European qualification for the FIFA tournament is organized by UEFA. The more powerful federations, such as those of England, Germany, and France, continue to firmly oppose reintegration. This is not the first time UEFA has faced internal pressure on this matter. Three years ago, the organization was forced to backtrack on a plan to reintegrate Russian youth teams after strong opposition from at least a dozen member federations. With the re-election of president Aleksander Ceferin scheduled for next year, it is unlikely that he would want to risk the support of a significant portion of his electorate. In contrast, FIFA, under the leadership of Gianni Infantino, appears more receptive to Russia’s readmission. The FIFA president, known for his close relationship with Vladimir Putin since the 2018 World Cup, has already expressed his desire to see the country back. In February, Infantino told Sky News that FIFA would analyze the issue, arguing that “this ban achieved nothing, only created more frustration and hatred.” The Russian issue thus threatens to deepen the rift between the two most powerful entities in football, which have already engaged in a public exchange of accusations this week. The latest conflict arose when FIFA’s disciplinary committee unprecedentedly lifted the suspension of Folarin Balogun before the World Cup match between the USA and Belgium. UEFA accused FIFA of crossing “a red line” that undermined the integrity of the competition, to which FIFA responded with accusations of hypocrisy. The IOC’s decision to lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, which had been in effect since October 2023, opens the door for Russian athletes and teams to participate in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. However, the IOC itself noted that each sport has the autonomy to decide, and in the case of football, participation in 2028 is impossible, given that the qualification tournaments have already begun.
Read more in Serie A news. and related tags: Return UEFA, International Olympic Committee.