Ukraine’s sports minister has criticised FIFA president Gianni Infantino after he suggested that world football’s governing body could consider lifting the ban on Russian teams, calling the remarks “irresponsible” and “infantile” amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Russian national teams and clubs have been suspended from international competitions by FIFA and UEFA since February 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The ban has prevented Russia from competing in the 2022 World Cup, Euro 2024, and the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

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Infantino recently said the suspension “has not achieved anything” and argued that allowing Russian children to play football in Europe could help reduce frustration and hostility. His comments sparked renewed debate over whether Russia should be readmitted to international football while the conflict continues.

Responding on social media, Ukraine’s sports minister Matvii Bidnyi said the remarks detached football from the realities of war. He stated that more than 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed since Russia’s full-scale invasion, including over 100 footballers.

Bidnyi said Ukraine strongly opposes Russia’s return to international sport, accusing Moscow of politicising sport to justify aggression. He also reiterated the stance of the Ukrainian Association of Football, which has warned against lifting the ban while hostilities continue.

Russia has remained largely excluded from FIFA and UEFA competitions but has continued to play matches against non-Western nations outside the two organisations’ frameworks. Infantino, who received Russia’s Order of Friendship following the 2018 World Cup, has not announced any formal steps toward ending the ban.

Ukraine has previously criticised other sporting bodies, including the International Paralympic Committee, for easing restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes, arguing such decisions undermine principles of justice, integrity, and fair play.