FIFA: Gianni Infantino cracks open the door to Russia's return | OneFootball

OneFootball's home page

FIFA: Gianni Infantino cracks open the door to Russia's return | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: Foot Africa

Foot Africa

·3 February 2026

FIFA: Gianni Infantino cracks open the door to Russia's return

Article image:FIFA: Gianni Infantino cracks open the door to Russia's return

FIFA: Gianni Infantino reignites the debate on Russia

Article image:FIFA: Gianni Infantino cracks open the door to Russia's return

FIFA: Gianni Infantino cracks open the door to Russia's return

OneFootball Videos

Four years after being excluded from international competitions, Russia remains isolated from the global football scene. Both clubs and the national team are still barred from the Champions League, the Euros, and the World Cup—a status unchanged since February 2022 amid an ongoing geopolitical standoff.

Yet the debate is resurfacing. In an interview with Sky News, FIFA president Gianni Infantino hinted at a more nuanced consideration regarding the effectiveness of these sanctions, though he stopped short of announcing any immediate decision.

“This ban has accomplished nothing; it has only led to more frustration and hatred. Allowing Russian boys and girls to play football in other parts of Europe would be beneficial. We need to enshrine in our statutes the principle that we should never bar a country from playing football because of the actions of its political leaders. Someone has to keep the channels open,” he stated.

View publisher imprint

MORE STORIES

See More Stories
Watch on OneFootball