FIFA considers Russian teams’ return following IOC decision

FIFA is set to review the potential reinstatement of Russian teams in international competitions following a shift in the Olympic movement’s stance, Sky News reported, citing the governing body.

The review comes after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee and withdrew its earlier recommendation urging international federations to bar Russian athletes from global events.

“FIFA has been informed of the IOC’s decision to temporarily lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee. FIFA will analyse this decision before determining the next steps in coordination with the relevant stakeholders,” the organisation said in a statement.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously indicated openness to reconsidering the ban. Speaking in February, he said the body is “obliged” to revisit the issue, adding: “This ban has achieved nothing; it has only generated more frustration and hatred.”

In a partial step toward reintegration, FIFA had already approved the participation of Russia’s under-15 national team in the youth World Cup scheduled for October in Azerbaijan.

Restrictions on Russian participation in international sport were first introduced in February 2022, when the IOC recommended excluding Russian athletes from competitions. The IOC announced the withdrawal of those recommendations a day earlier, a move that could pave the way for Russian athletes to compete at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

By Tamilla Hasanova