Russian football could make its return to the international stage as early as October this year. FIFA is considering allowing the youth national teams of Russia and Belarus to participate in the upcoming Under-15 World Championship, scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan. The four-year ban has sidelined all Russian teams from tournaments, including the 2022 and 2026 World Cups, but now youth competitions are being viewed as a potential pathway for reintegration, according to The Athletic.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is actively advocating for this move: “We have to do this because the ban has achieved nothing; it has only generated more frustration and hatred. Allowing boys and girls from Russia to play football in other parts of Europe would be very helpful. Whether this step will extend to senior teams remains to be announced.”
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