Ukraine blasts FIFA president as moral degenerate over Russia ban

Tuesday 03 February 2026 - 18:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Ukraine blasts FIFA president as moral degenerate over Russia ban

FIFA President Gianni Infantino urged lifting Russia's four-year ban from international football, at least for youth competitions, igniting fury from Ukrainian officials who branded him a "moral degenerate" and dismissed his views as "infantile."

In a Sky News interview aired over the weekend, Infantino argued the 2022 suspension, imposed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has achieved nothing but bred frustration and hatred. "Allowing girls and boys from Russia to play football matches in other parts of Europe would be helpful," he said.

Ukraine's response was swift and scathing. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha took to social media, slamming Infantino: "679 Ukrainian girls and boys will never play football again; Russia killed them. And it keeps killing others while moral degenerates suggest lifting bans, despite Russia's failure to end its war." He likened any sanctions relief to the shame of the 1936 Olympics. Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi called the remarks "irresponsible, to say the least infantile," noting they ignore a reality where children die. He cited over 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches killed by Russia, including more than 100 footballers. The Ukrainian Football Federation urged FIFA to hold firm while the war rages.

Russia welcomed Infantino's stance. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "We note these statements and welcome them. It's time to consider this issue." Russian Football Union head Alexander Dyukov anticipated FIFA and UEFA aligning with the IOC's December recommendation to let young Russian athletes compete under their full national identity.

Infantino's comments follow the IOC's 2025 push for youth participation. UEFA tried a similar step in 2023 but backed off after 12 European federations threatened boycotts. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin insists peace in Ukraine remains a prerequisite for Russia's return. UEFA's executive committee meets February 11 in Brussels, where Russia's status may arise; Dyukov plans to attend the UEFA Congress to discuss reinstatement.

Russia has faced blanket bans from FIFA and UEFA competitions since February 28, 2022, following the invasion. Its national team missed 2022 World Cup qualifiers and now plays only friendlies against non-Western nations.