Mathieu Warnier, Media365: published on Monday February 2, 2026 at 11:15 p.m.
Like several other international federations, FIFA is considering putting an end to the banning of Russia decided in 2022. Its president Gianni Infantino cites the lack of effect of this measure in the settlement of the conflict between Moscow and Ukraine.
Will FIFA turn around? Since March 2022, world sport has united to rule out Russia in the context of the aggression against Ukraine decided by Moscow. A measure that was applied almost unanimously for more than three years but the passage of time has finally taken effect. In recent months, international federations such as judo and taekwondo have reversed course and are once again allowing Russian athletes to participate under their colors and with their anthem. However, this will not concern the Milan-Cortina Winter Games, in which thirteen athletes from Russia will be able to participate under a neutral banner as in Paris in 2024.
Infantino: “This ban has accomplished nothing”
When it comes to football, positions could also move in the near future. If “Sbornaïa” will not participate in the World Cup this summer, having been excluded from qualifying just as its clubs are no longer admitted to UEFA competitions, Gianni Infantino has opened the door to a change of doctrine. “This ban has accomplished nothing, it has only created more frustration and hatred,” said the FIFA president in an interview with the British channel Sy News. Allowing Russian girls and boys to play football in other parts of Europe would be beneficial. » A position which is in line with that of the International Olympic Committee, which recently recommended the reintegration of Russian athletes into junior competitions.
Banning a country soon to be banned?
Michel Platini’s former right-hand man at the head of UEFA goes further by raising the possibility of amending the statutes of the international federation so that it no longer finds itself in such a situation in the event of a conflict. “We must enshrine in our statutes the principle that we should never ban a country from playing football because of the actions of its political leaders,” he said before adding that “someone has to keep the links open.” Four years after kicking Russia out of world football, Gianni Infantino seems to be preparing the ground for a 180-degree turnaround which should not only make people happy, particularly in Nyon.
