FIFA President Gianni Infantino wants to bring Russian football back into the fold. Europe’s political and sporting establishment wants him to know that’s not happening without a fight.
EU Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef has publicly criticized Infantino’s proposal to reintegrate Russian teams into international competition, citing “real security risks” and the “deep pain caused by the war.” The pushback comes as Infantino has argued that the ban on Russian teams, in place since February 2022, has only fueled “frustration and hatred” rather than advancing peace.
The U-15 flashpoint
The tension escalated sharply on July 1, 2026, when 44 Members of the European Parliament sent a formal letter protesting the inclusion of Russian U-15 teams in FIFA’s inaugural U-15 World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan.
The MEPs’ letter referenced the forced deportation of approximately 20,000 Ukrainian children amid the ongoing conflict.
