FIFA Considers Lifting Ban on Russia

FIFA Considers Lifting its Ban on Russia — Russia's players pose for a group picture ahead of the friendly football match between Qatar and Russia at the Al-Janoub Stadium in Al-Wakrah on September 12, 2023. KARIM JAAFAR/AFP via Getty Images

FIFA, the world football body, is looking at ending the blanket ban it has imposed on Russia.

Sources familiar with the matter told Sky News about the speculation, saying that the decision could be taken during a FIFA council meeting later Wednesday (October 4) to allow Russian teams to play the Under-17 (U17) World Cups if they qualify.

The ban was imposed after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine was launched by Russian President Vladimir Putin in February 2022. At the time, FIFA made the move in "full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine."

Despite the lifting of the U17 competition bans, both FIFA and UEFA still maintain their ban on Russia playing in tournaments and qualifiers but will allow them to play international friendlies.

What Made FIFA Change Its Mind?

FIFA considered lifting its total ban on Russia after its European subsidiary, UEFA, relaxed its position on the Kremlin last week.

However, UEFA decided to end its complete ban on Russian international teams competing to allow them to participate in the Euros Under-17 qualifier in the coming weeks on the condition that their teams would not be allowed to wear their national uniforms, flag, and anthem.

European teams secure qualification for the Under-17s World Cups based on their performances at their continental UEFA events. As a result, FIFA viewed the Under-17s European Championships as the de facto qualifiers for the global level which provides a logic for them to readmit Russia.

A hypothetical FIFA decision would come too late for the men's Under-17 World Cup in November, but Russia could qualify for the women's event in 2024.

UEFA Divided on Readmitting Russia

However, the decision to lift the complete ban on Russian teams created divisions across the continent.

For one, England - one of the UK's component nations - threatened to boycott matches against them. Ukraine, on the other hand, also threatened boycotts, urging UEFA to reconsider its total ban in light of its slow but stable counteroffensive to retake its southeastern regions and Crimea.

In response, UEFA privately pointed out to officials in Kyiv that they were allowing their athletes to compete against Russians competing as neutrals.