Fifa president 'infantile' for wanting to lift Russia ban, Ukraine minister says

BBC News - WorldEN 2 min read 100% complete February 3, 2026 at 10:50 AM

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Ukraine's sports minister, Matvii Bidnyi, criticized FIFA president Gianni Infantino for suggesting the organization would consider lifting the ban on Russia from international football competitions. The ban was imposed in February 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Infantino argued the ban "has not achieved anything" and allowing Russian children to play would help. Bidnyi responded that Infantino's words were "irresponsible" given the ongoing war and the deaths of over 650 Ukrainian athletes, including more than 100 footballers. He accused Russia of politicizing sport and using it to justify aggression, echoing the Ukrainian Association of Football's stance against Russia's return while the conflict continues.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Belarus ×230% 2022 World Cup 40% International Paralympic Committee (IPC) ×340% 2026 World Cup 40% Euro 2024 40% Vladimir Putin 50% UEFA ×270% Matvii Bidnyi ×280% Gianni Infantino ×390% Fifa ×4100% Ukraine ×4100% Russia ×10100%

Keywords

russia ban 90% fifa 80% ukraine 80% gianni infantino 70% war 60% sports ban 60% politicising sport 50% international competitions 50% russian aggression 40%