Gianni Infantino ‘wants’ Russia and its clubs reinstated to international competitions | OneFootball

Gianni Infantino said he favours the immediate lifting of Russia’s suspension from international football and the return of its clubs, in place since February 2022 after the invasion of Ukraine.

“This suspension has brought nothing. It has only created more frustration and hate,” he told Sky Sports.

Infantino argued that allowing Russian players to compete elsewhere would be positive. He added that FIFA should never bar a country from football because of its political leaders and that someone must keep lines open with Russia.

Ukraine’s sports minister Matvii Bidnyi condemned the remarks as irresponsible and infantile, saying they ignored a reality in which children are being killed. He said more than 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed by the Russians, including more than 100 footballers.

UEFA president Alexander Ceferin has repeatedly said the war in Ukraine must end before Russia and its clubs can be considered for reintegration.

The Kremlin welcomed Infantino’s stance, with spokesperson Dmitri Peskov saying, “We have seen these statements, we welcome them,” and adding, “It really should have been considered a long time ago.” The Russian federation said it fully supports his position.

Source: L'Équipe