FIFA's Infantino urges lifting Russia's football ban, citing failed war impact and child injustice.

Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, has reiterated calls to lift Russia's ban from international football, claiming that the 2022 suspension has exacerbated animosity rather than put an end to the conflict in Ukraine. Speaking in London, he argued that children shouldn't be punished for the actions of their government, called for the reinstatement of Russian youth teams, and urged FIFA to establish a rule prohibiting the banning of countries based on political leadership. Under pressure, UEFA changed its mind about permitting Russia's under-17 teams, but it still keeps the ban in place until the war is over. At the senior level, Russia is still limited to friendly relations.