FIFA: Russia ban has generated “more frustration and hatred” (Gianni Infantino)

"This ban has brought nothing. It has only generated more frustration and hatred,” said Gianni Infantino (ITA-SUI), president of FIFA, on British television channel Sky Sports on 02/02/2026, referring to Russia’s situation. Russia - like Belarus - has been excluded from international football competitions since the start of the war it launched in Ukraine on 24/02/2022.

Should FIFA therefore lift the suspension? "Oh, definitely. We have to. Yes… at least at youth level. This ban has not achieved anything," replied the president of FIFA. "If Russian players could play matches in other parts of the world, that would be positive. In fact, FIFA should never ban a country from playing football because of the actions of its political leaders".

"We fell in love with Russia," had said Gianni Infantino in Moscow (RUS), during the final of the 2018 World Cup between France and Croatia (4-2) on 15/07/2018.

Speaking about the 2026 World Cup, to be held in Canada, Mexico and above all the United States, the FIFA President also expressed opposition to any boycott: "Is anyone proposing that the UK…