FIFA is considering lifting Russia’s ban from international soccer after UEFA softened its stance on the issue last week, Sky News reported on Wednesday, citing Reuters.

FIFAPhoto: Budrul Chukrut/SOPA Images / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

FIFA is ready to cancel Russia’s suspension from international competitions

A decision could be made at a FIFA Council meeting on Wednesday to give Russia a chance to play at the Under-17 World Cup if it qualifies.

The issue is not on the agenda of the International Council of Federations, and FIFA has not yet responded to a request from Reuters.

UEFA decided after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 that all the country’s teams, whether club or national, should be banned from international competitions, Agerpres reports.

But the continental forum said last week that “children should not be punished for actions for which adults are responsible” and that Russia’s under-17 teams would be re-admitted to UEFA competitions “during this season”.

The Football Federation of Ukraine appealed to UEFA to cancel its decision, otherwise it will not participate in competitions involving Russian teams. Several countries, in particular Romania, announced a boycott of matches against teams from Russia.