FIFA Partially Lifts Ban, Allows Russia in U15 World Cup in Azerbaijan
FIFA has partially lifted its ban on Russia and Belarus, allowing their youth teams to compete in the inaugural U15 World Championship in Azerbaijan from October 22–31, 2026. This marks Russia’s first FIFA-organized tournament participation since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. FIFA President Infantino argued the ban “achieved nothing,” while UEFA’s Ceferin supported the move. Senior Russian teams remain banned. The decision has drawn criticism from Ukraine and several European football associations.
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FIFA Discusses Russian Return to Football After Four-Year Ban
According to BILD Sport, FIFA is set to officially deliberate on lifting the participation ban for Russian football teams, which has been in place since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The trigger is the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision to largely end sanctions against Russian athletes, with a view to qualification for the 2028 Summer Olympics. FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously spoken in favor of a return, stating 'We have to do that. Definitely,' drawing criticism from Ukraine. The ban, jointly decided by FIFA and UEFA, was officially justified by security concerns and competition integrity. Russian men's and women's national teams have continued playing friendlies and are ranked 35th and 27th respectively. Additionally, Russia and Belarus have been invited to the U15 World Cup in Azerbaijan.
BILD - SportRussia Invited to FIFA U15 Youth Tournament, Signaling Possible End of Football Sanctions
Russia has been invited to participate in a FIFA-organized U15 youth tournament, the 'World Cup and Festival,' in Azerbaijan in October 2026. This marks the first time Russia has been included in an international football event since its teams were banned from most competitions following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The invitation is seen as a potential first step toward ending the sanctions. Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev stated he expects full reintegration of the Russian Football Union by the end of the year, emphasizing constant contact with FIFA. Since 2022, Russia has only been allowed to play test matches, mostly against lower-tier opponents. The article also highlights Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, who won the Champions League with PSG in 2026, as the country's remaining football star. The piece analyzes Russia's isolation from world football and the political significance of the gradual return.
taz.de - taz.deRussia U15 Teams Approved for FIFA Youth Events, Potential First Return Since 2022 Ban
According to TASS and DPA reports cited by Hupu, FIFA has allowed Russia's U15 men's and women's teams to participate in its youth world events, marking a potential first return since the February 2022 ban. The inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup and Football Festival will be held in Azerbaijan from October 22 to 31, 2026, open to men's U15 teams from all FIFA member associations. The 2027 edition will feature only a women's U15 category, and from 2028 FIFA plans separate annual men's and women's tournaments. TASS, citing DPA, stated that the phrase 'all member associations' includes Russia and its ally Belarus. If they participate, this will be the first time a Russian team has competed in a FIFA-organized event since the 2022 ban.
虎扑 - 足球Surprising FIFA Decision: Russia Back in World Football for U15 World Championship
In a surprising turn, FIFA has decided to invite Russia and Belarus to the U15 World Championship in Azerbaijan from October 22 to 31, 2026, partially lifting the ban on Russian national teams imposed after the invasion of Ukraine in March 2022. FIFA President Gianni Infantino had advocated for the return, stating the ban achieved nothing and only created frustration. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin also supported the move, though it previously failed due to opposition from national associations, including the German Football Association (DFB). While youth teams are now included, Russian men's and women's senior national teams remain excluded from official FIFA and UEFA competitions, only playing friendlies. This marks the first international tournament participation for Russian teams since the ban.
BILD - SportRussia Approved to Participate in FIFA U15 World Cup, First FIFA Event Since Ukraine War
FIFA has approved Russia's participation in the inaugural U15 World Cup to be held in Azerbaijan from October 22 to 31, marking the first time Russia has been allowed to take part in a FIFA-organized event since the Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022. The tournament was officially established in December 2025 and is open to all FIFA member associations. Although the Azerbaijan Football Federation's announcement did not explicitly name Russia, reports from the German Press Agency confirmed by Russia's TASS news agency verified Russia's eligibility. This decision signals a gradual easing of sanctions by FIFA, following FIFA President Gianni Infantino's February statement expressing hope for Russian teams' return, arguing that 'such a ban is meaningless.' Russia's ally Belarus is also expected to participate.
虎扑 - 足球FIFA Reinstates Russia in Youth Competition for First Time Since Ukraine Invasion
More than four years after Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine, FIFA has allowed Russia to participate in the new U-15 Festival in Azerbaijan (October 22-31), marking the first return of a Russian team to a FIFA-organized youth competition since the 2022 ban. The tournament is open to all FIFA member associations, though direct mention of Russia was avoided by a FIFA spokesperson. Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev welcomed the decision as an important step toward full reinstatement. This follows the IOC's 2023 reinstatement of Russian athletes under neutral banner for individual events, and a failed 2023 UEFA attempt to reintegrate Russian youth teams, which was abandoned due to boycott threats from Ukraine and several European federations. Some international federations (gymnastics, judo, swimming) have already allowed Russians to compete with flag and anthem.
Home Football - actualitésFIFA Authorizes Russia to Enter U15 World Cup, First Organized Competition Since Ukraine Invasion
FIFA has announced that Russia will be allowed to participate in the inaugural U15 World Cup in Azerbaijan from October 22 to 31, marking Russia's first involvement in a FIFA-organized competition since its suspension in February 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine. The decision, confirmed by German agency DPA and Russian agency TASS, also potentially includes Belarus. The move represents a partial lifting of sanctions, driven by FIFA President Gianni Infantino's stated view that the suspension 'has achieved nothing.' The competition was officially created in December 2025.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuFIFA Partially Lifts Ban, Allows Russia and Belarus at U15 World Championship in Azerbaijan
FIFA has announced a partial lifting of the international football ban on Russia and Belarus, allowing their teams to participate in the upcoming U15 World Championship in Azerbaijan from October 22 to 31, 2026. This marks the first time Russian national teams have been allowed in an international tournament since the invasion of Ukraine in March 2022. FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated the ban 'achieved nothing' and only created 'more frustration and hatred,' favoring a return at the youth level. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin had also pushed for relaxation, citing the isolation of young Russian athletes, but faced opposition from member associations including the German Football Association. Russia's senior men's and women's teams remain banned from official competitions but continue to play friendlies. Belarusian teams were also included, following a recent lifting of sanctions against the country. The decision has drawn mixed reactions, with Ukraine and some European associations criticizing the move.
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