FIFA is considering lifting Russia’s ban from international football after UEFA calmed its position on Russia last week, Sky News reported on Wednesday.
The judgment could be taken at a FIFA Council meeting later today that could let Russian teams play in the FIFA Under-17 World Cups if they qualify, the report said.
The item did not occur on the agenda for FIFA’s Council meeting.
FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Reuters.
UEFA determined after Russia attacked Ukraine in February 2022 that all Russian teams – national or club sides – would be suspended from taking part in its competitions.
But last week, the governing body of European football said “children should not be punished for acts whose responsibility lies exclusively with adults,” and that Russia’s U-17 sides would be readmitted to UEFA contests “in the course of this season.”
The Ukrainian Association of Football demanded UEFA to rethink its decision and said it will not play in tournaments involving Russian teams.
England, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark have also said their youth teams would not play against Russia despite UEFA’s decision.
