FIFA may reconsider Russia's suspension following the IOC's decision
The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) is preparing to discuss the possibility of revising the suspension of Russian teams from international tournaments. The impetus for the discussion was a recent decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), following which the issue of allowing representatives of the aggressor country to return to world sports has once again been placed on the agenda.
The day before, the International Olympic Committee reinstated the rights of the Russian Olympic Committee. Restrictions on Russia were imposed following its attempt to establish control over Ukraine’s occupied territories. Subsequently, the ROC changed its status, revoking all regions’ membership in the committee.
“FIFA has been informed of the IOC’s decision to temporarily lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee. FIFA will analyze this decision in coordination with the relevant stakeholders before deciding on next steps,” the organization said in a statement.
Russian teams were barred from international competitions following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. FIFA joined UEFA’s restrictions after European national teams refused to play against Russia in the 2022 World Cup qualifying playoffs.
As a result, Russian teams are not playing in European club competitions. They have also missed the 2022 World Cup, Euro 2024, several editions of the Nations League, and will not participate in the 2026 World Cup. At the same time, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated this winter that “Russia’s suspension has achieved nothing.”
Earlier, the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine called the IOC’s decision to allow Russians to compete “shameful.”
Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladislav Geraskevich called the International Olympic Committee’s decision to temporarily lift the ban on the Russian Olympic Committee’s activities “shameful.” The athlete stated that the IOC is ignoring the facts regarding the involvement of Russian sports organizations in the occupied territories of Ukraine.
