The issue of Russia’s participation in major sporting competitions is back in the headlines, after comments from senior figures at FIFA (international football’s governing body) and the International Olympic Committee this week.
FIFA and UEFA (the European football body) suspended Russia in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine.
Throughout the war, Russian and Belarusian athletes have competed under ‘neutral’ flags at international sporting competitions.
Here’s what to know.
Context
Earlier this week, FIFA president Gianni Infantino told Sky News that football’s ban on Russia “has not achieved anything” and instead “created more frustration and hatred.”
Infantino added: “We should actually never ban any country from playing football because of the acts of their political leaders… Somebody needs to keep the ties open.”
The 2022 ban means Russian clubs cannot compete in World Cups, the Euros, or qualifying tournaments.
The ban also means Russia cannot field a team for the 2026 men’s World Cup and Euro 2028, and Belarus cannot host competitions.
Despite Infantino’s comments, there is no expectation of an immediate change.
The Guardian reports opposition within Europe remains strong, and any formal vote by FIFA or UEFA would be unlikely to pass while the war continues.
Ukraine repsonse
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Ukraine’s sports minister Matvii Bidnyi described Infantino’s comments as “irresponsible”.
He said: “They detach football from the reality in which children are being killed.”
Bidnyi added that Ukraine estimates Russia has killed more than 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches, including 100 footballers, since the invasion.
The Ukrainian Association of Football also released a statement in response to Infantino’s comments.
Part of it read: “We do not agree with the claim that the ban… is ineffective. We believe that exclusion from participation in competitions is an effective method of pressure on the aggressor. The potential reintegration of any Russian national teams poses a threat to the safety and integrity of competitions.”
IOC’s position
In an address to the 145th IOC Congress this week, IOC president Kirsty Coventry said the organisation’s focus was on sport, not politics.
She said: “Our game is sport. That means keeping sport a neutral ground. A place where every athlete can compete freely, without being held back by the politics or divisions of their governments.”
That approach is already in effect. As at the Paris Summer Games, at the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics later this week, around 20 Russian and Belarusian athletes will be allowed to compete as Individual Neutral Athletes, without national flags, anthems or a place in the medal table.
By comparison, more than 200 Russian athletes competed at the Beijing 2022 Winter Games, which took place shortly before Russia invaded Ukraine.
The IOC has also encouraged international federations to allow Russian youth athletes back into competition under their national flag.
