Ukraine's Football Association president Shevchenko to meet FIFA’s Infantino over Russia
Andrii Shevchenko (Photo: Getty Images)
The president of the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF), Andrii Shevchenko, commented on the controversial statement by FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding the possible return of Russian teams to international football, according to Shevchenko’s remarks at a press conference reviewing his second year leading the organization.
Clear stance of the UAF
According to Shevchenko, the position of the Ukrainian Association of Football remains unchanged: as long as the war in Ukraine continues, no concessions should be made regarding Russia.
"I'd like to start with the main news of the week – the interview of FIFA President Gianni Infantino about the possible readmission of Russians into football. The UAF responded immediately. You all saw our statement – we clearly expressed our position, which remains unchanged: as long as the war continues, we are categorically against the return of Russians to football," said the head of the UAF.
Upcoming meeting with Infantino
Shevchenko said that in recent days, there has been active communication with FIFA representatives at various levels.
"Currently, the FIFA Council is not considering the return of Russians. This information has also been reported by European media," he added.
The UAF president also announced an upcoming meeting with Gianni Infantino to once again explain the situation in Ukraine in detail and reaffirm the association’s position.
Shevchenko noted that colleagues from other national federations support Ukraine, and as long as this support continues, the return of Russian teams to competitions is not being considered.
What the FIFA president said
Gianni Infantino, in an interview with Sky News, called the current ban on Russians ineffective, saying it only increases "more frustration and hatred." According to him, "having girls and boys from Russia being able to play football games in other parts of Europe would help."
The FIFA president also proposed changing the organization’s statutes to prohibit the suspension of any country due to the political actions of its leaders. He believes that sport "should unite people even in a divided world."
This statement was sharply criticized by the UAF and the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was also condemned by the head of Ukraine’s Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Earlier, we reported that the IOC has also signaled a potential return of Russia.
In addition, we noted that Ukrainian athletes have received clear instructions regarding Russians at the 2026 Olympics.
