Despite the readiness International Football Federation (FIFA) reconsider the ban on the participation of Russian teams, including the national team, in competitions, while “there is no real chance” of Russia returning to international football, writes The Guardian citing sources. The publication associates this with the negative position of the European Union of Football Associations (UEFA).
As the publication's sources in several national football associations explained, in order to get to the World Cup, which is held by FIFA, the Russian team needs to go through a regional qualifying tournament, which is already taking place under the auspices of UEFA. Therefore, it will not be possible to resolve the issue of the return of Russia without the consent of this union.
“Many of the largest Western European associations and federations, including in England, Germany and France, remain categorically against the return of Russia,” the sources clarified.
The so-called “Russian issue” could become, according to the publication, “another serious reason for disagreement between the two most influential organizations in world football.” The two publicly clashed this week after FIFA's disciplinary committee took the unprecedented step of lifting Folarin Balogun's ban ahead of the World Cup round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium.
As RTVI wrote, this did not help the hosts win the World Cup – the American team lost the match in Seattle with a score of 1:4, and the Belgian team, celebrating the victory with a “Donald Trump dance,” reached the quarterfinals. She will meet with the Spanish national team on July 10 in the Californian city of Inglewood.
UEFA called FIFA's decision on Balogun “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustified.” The organization clarified that disqualification is a principle enshrined in the rules, which “cannot be changed, especially in the midst of a tournament.”
“The decision to suspend for a year the automatic one-match ban following a red card for player Folarin Balogun has crossed all boundaries,” UEFA said in an official statement.
According to The Guardian, FIFA remains open to Russia's return. The head of the organization, Gianni Infantino, made it clear that he would be happy for the country to return, the publication claims. He “remains close” to Russian President Vladimir Putin, as they worked together to host the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the British newspaper clarifies. In addition, Infantino helped organize the participation of the Russian U15 youth team in the World Youth Championship, scheduled for October 2026 in Azerbaijan, the media emphasizes.
By the way, the other day the International Olympic Committee (IOC) temporarily lifted Russia’s suspension from participation in international competitions, allowing athletes to participate in the qualifying rounds to get to the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. At the same time, it is still unclear in what format Russia will be able to be represented at the games.
“The IOC will decide on the display of the Russian flag, anthem, colors or any other symbols at the Olympic Games at the appropriate time,” the committee said in a statement.
