At the latest UEFA Congress, held a few days ago, the issue of reinstating Russian teams in international competitions was discussed. According to several sources familiar with the situation, the debate covered both national teams and clubs.
The meeting addressed the possibility of allowing Russian youth and senior national teams to participate in official tournaments.
‘National teams—especially youth squads—could return in the upcoming cycles. Support from Portugal, Spain, and Italy was unexpected. They believe sports should remain outside of politics,’ a source noted.
Among the countries that backed Russia’s return were Serbia, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Greece. However, leading football federations from Northern and Western Europe took a wait-and-see stance.
‘For instance, France, Germany, Sweden, and Finland have so far abstained. They find it important to balance sporting neutrality with domestic public opinion,’ one source clarified.
Strong opposition came from the federations of England, Scotland, Ukraine, Denmark, Romania, Poland, and the Baltic states. Their position remains firm, and, as one source put it, ‘it is unlikely to change in the coming months’—or before the conflict in Ukraine ends.
