The proposal of the FIFA chief to allow Russia access to junior tournaments provokes negative reactions in Ukraine

Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, stated to Sky Sports that the organization should lift the ban imposed on Russia, especially in youth competitions, arguing that this measure has not had positive effects and has generated frustration. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andrii Sibiha, vehemently criticized this proposal, emphasizing that hundreds of young Ukrainians have died due to the Russian invasion and that lifting the ban would be a moral disgrace.

Although FIFA temporarily lifted the ban for athletes under 17 from Russia, negative reactions forced the organization to reconsider its decision. Criticism of FIFA has increased, especially after incidents such as the display of a map that excludes Crimea from Ukraine. In the context of the invasion, Ukraine has imposed sanctions against individuals linked to Russian sports, highlighting the use of sports in Russian propaganda, while hundreds of Ukrainian athletes and sports facilities have been affected by Russian attacks.