Infantino's comments on Russia's ban: "Values are not negotiable" (G. Micallef, European Commissioner)

"President Infantino, values are non-negotiable. Sport does not exist in a vacuum. It reflects who we are and what we choose to stand for. Letting aggressors return to global football as if nothing happened ignores real security risks and deep pain caused by the war. Flags, uniforms and anthems represent states, actions and values. Normalisation is not acceptable," said Glenn Micallef (MLT), European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, on 04/02/2026.

Glenn Micallef, who is giving a ”#YellowCardForFIFA”, reacted to the comments made by Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, on 02/02/2026. "This ban has brought nothing. It has only generated more frustration and hatred," said Gianni Infantino on British television channel Sky Sports 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," also…