The FIFA president cast doubt on the sanction imposed after the war in Ukraine and proposed lifting it, at least in the youth categories
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Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, once again brought back into debate one of the strongest decisions taken by international soccer in recent years: the exclusion of Russia from official competitions after the invasion of Ukraine. Almost four years after the start of the conflict, the Swiss-Italian executive was critical of the effectiveness of the measure and stated that it "hasn't achieved anything".
"The exclusion hasn't served any purpose, it has only created more frustration and more hatred," Infantino stated in an interview with Sky Sports, in which he reflected on the real impact of the ban imposed in February 2022 jointly by FIFA and UEFA on Russian national teams and clubs.
In that regard, the head of the world soccer governing body raised the need to review the sanction, at least in youth soccer. "We shouldn't ban countries for the actions of their political leaders. Allowing Russian boys and girls to play soccer in other parts of Europe could help. It's something that we definitely have to do, at least in youth categories," he maintained.
Infantino plantea revertir las sanciones deportivas a Rusia
The statements rekindle a sensitive debate within international sports, where collective sanctions have been used as a tool of political pressure. For Infantino, keeping young players away from international competition doesn't help reduce tensions or bring positions closer, but rather deepens resentment and isolation.
Meanwhile, as the war in Ukraine continues and the ban on Russia remains in force, Infantino's words mark a stance that aims to review the social and sporting impact of the sanctions, especially on the youngest players.
His new support for Trump
In another part of the interview, Infantino once again showed his support for the president of the United States, Donald Trump, and stated that he "deserves" the FIFA Peace Award that he received in December. "Objectively he deserves it. And I'm not the only one saying it, a Nobel Peace Prize winner (in reference to María Corina Machado) has also said it. He has been an essential part in resolving conflicts and saving thousands of lives," he stated.
Infantino volvió a respaldar a Trump
At that ceremony, Infantino had highlighted the role of political leaders in the pursuit of peace: "This is what we want from a leader, that he cares about people. We want to live in a safe world and environment. We want to unite, and that is precisely what we are doing here today and what we will continue doing at the FIFA World Cup."
