Media: Some EU states firmly oppose return of Russian teams to UEFA Amid Ukraine war

Many European countries have categorically opposed Russia's return to international tournaments during a UEFA Executive Committee meeting held on September 11, as reported by Sport24.

Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Ukraine, as well as France, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, England, Ireland, Scotland, and Iceland, opposed Russia's return at the meeting.

Poland and the Baltic countries expressed a particularly firm stance, citing their historical and geopolitical concerns regarding Russia’s actions.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, UEFA and FIFA have imposed a blanket ban on Russian national and club teams from all competitions, including the World Cups and Euro 2024, with a decision upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Despite continued Russian influence within UEFA via officials like the president of the Russian Football Union, Alexander Dyukov, attempts to reintegrate Russian youth teams were reversed after backlash.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin has reiterated that Russian teams will remain banned until the war ends.

By Khagan Isayev