FIFA ends total ban on Russian football teams

FIFA on Wednesday ended its blanket ban on Russian football teams competing in international tournaments, in a decision set to provoke renewed outcry from Ukraine’s Western allies.

The global governing body said it would once again allow Russian youth teams to participate in the men’s and women’s under-17 World Cup tournaments since expelling all Russian teams in February 2022, after the start of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

FIFA’s move follows a similar decision last week from UEFA, European football’s governing body, relating to continental club competitions. That choice triggered a backlash around Europe with several countries saying they won’t play against Russian teams despite UEFA’s ruling.

Ukraine’s football federation said last week that it “will not take part in any competitions with the participation of Russian teams, and appeal to other UEFA member associations to boycott possible matches with the participation of teams from the Russian Federation, subject to their admission.”

Conditions will be imposed on Russian teams by FIFA, including playing under the name “Football Union of Russia” rather than “Russia,” and not having their national flag, anthem or colors on display at matches.

In a statement, FIFA said it “reiterated its condemnation of Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.”