FIFA considering lifting blanket ban on Russia competing in international football. FIFA is said to be considering easing the ban after UEFA last week relaxed its position on Russia. The decision could be taken during a FIFA Council meeting later today to allow Russian teams to play in the Under-17s World Cups if they qualify, sources say. The ban has been in place since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine was launched by Russian President Vladimir Putin in February 2022 in a move FIFA said was in “full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine”. But FIFA is looking to ease the punishment based on how European football’s governing body last week relaxed its position on Russia. UEFA decided to end its complete ban on Russian international teams competing to allow them to participate in the Under-17s Euros qualifying in the coming weeks – but without their national kit, flag or anthem. European teams secure qualification for the Under-17s World Cups based on their performances at their continental UEFA events.
