Media: Azerbaijan supports Russia's full return to UEFA tournaments

Azerbaijan has joined a group of countries calling for the full reinstatement of Russian teams in international football tournaments, Sport24 reported from a recent UEFA Executive Committee meeting.

Alongside Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Hungary, and Kazakhstan voiced support for lifting the current restrictions on Russia.

The discussion reflected differing positions across Europe. Scandinavian countries — Sweden, Finland, and Norway — indicated for the first time that they might support the return of Russia’s women’s and youth teams, possibly by the end of the year, depending on developments in Ukraine. Portugal, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic signalled willingness to debate a phased return if UEFA approves.

Earlier today, several European countries firmly opposed Russia’s participation in international tournaments.

By Khagan Isayev