UEFA is preparing to oppose the return of Russian teams to international football tournaments after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) provisionally lifts Russia’s suspension from global competition. The move follows a prior ban on Russian teams in football after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and it also reflects ongoing opposition from some European national associations to reintegration.
According to reporting from The Guardian and Inside World Football, UEFA plans to take a firmer stance than FIFA. FIFA has said it will review its position after its own decision to ban Russian teams in response to the invasion, stating it will “analyse the decision before deciding on next steps.” This creates the possibility of another disagreement between UEFA and FIFA over how international football governance should respond to the IOC’s provisional action.
The situation is not described as new, with sources indicating it is another potential clash that could follow previous disputes over sanctions and eligibility. All sides are still assessing how the IOC change affects their respective rules and next steps.
