---
title: "FIFA prepares to discuss Russia's return to international tournaments following IOC decision"
description: "FIFA has begun preparations to discuss the return of Russian teams to international tournaments following the IOC's decision to lift the disqualification. President Infantino previously stated that the ban has not achieved its goals. Meanwhile, Ukraine has expressed serious concern over this step. ⚽🏆🌍"
date: 2026-07-07T20:44:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/fifa-prepares-to-discuss-russias-return-to-international-tournaments-following-ioc-decision
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# FIFA prepares to discuss Russia's return to international tournaments following IOC decision

![FIFA soccer ball on green turf, symbolizing Russia's return to international tournaments after IOC decision](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/07/fifa-gotovitsya-k-obsuzhdeniyu-vozvrashcheniya-rossii-na-mezhdunarodnye-turniry/fifa-gotovitsya-k-obsuzhdeniyu-vozvrashcheniya-rossii-na-mezhdunarodnye-turniry-1.webp)

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has begun preparations for an official discussion on the possible lifting of the ban on Russian teams participating in international competitions. The impetus for resuming dialogue was the decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to lift the disqualification of the Russian Olympic Committee and notify relevant sports federations.

The organization confirmed receipt of information regarding the IOC's decision. FIFA representatives stated that they will first analyze the measures taken and then determine further steps in conjunction with interested parties.

### History of suspension and leadership stance

Russian clubs and national teams were suspended by FIFA and UEFA following the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Since then, the country's national teams have not participated in international competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the 2022 and 2026 World Cups, as well as the 2023 Women's World Cup. Initially, restrictions were introduced, in part, due to the refusal of several European national teams to play matches against Russian opponents.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has previously stated that the issue of returning Russian teams needs to be considered. According to him, the current ban has not achieved its intended goals and has only created additional disappointment and tension within the football community.

### Current situation and precedents

At present, the IOC no longer recommends that international federations maintain the ban on Russian teams participating; however, each sports organization makes the final decision independently. Decisions regarding the hosting of competitions in Russia, the admission of teams, the use of state symbols, and the invitation of official representatives remain within the competence of international federations and organizers.

There are already precedents for return: FIFA has allowed the Russia U-15 national team to participate in the Youth World Cup, which will take place in October in Azerbaijan. At the same time, UEFA previously refused to return Russian youth teams following a negative reaction from European associations.

### Reaction to the IOC decision

The decision by the International Olympic Committee has provoked a mixed reaction. Vadym Gutzeit, President of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine, criticized the IOC's refusal to maintain recommendations for the suspension of Russian athletes, stating that such a step causes serious concern.