Ukraine hits out at 'infantile' FIFA boss for considering lifting Russia ban

The Ukrainian sports minister has branded FIFA president Gianni Infantino "irresponsible - not to say infantile" for wanting to look at lifting Russia's ban from world football.

The ban was imposed by FIFA's ruling executive along with European football's governing body, UEFA, at the start of Vladimir Putin's all-out invasion of Ukraine.

Mr Infantino told Sky News' Yalda Hakim "we have to" look at restoring Russian teams, adding: "This ban has not achieved anything, it has just created more frustration and hatred."

The ban was imposed in 2022 as European rivals said they wouldn't play or host Russia's matches.

With Ukraine fending off the full-scale war for four years, its government is enraged that FIFA wants Russia to be able to qualify for World Cups again.

Ukrainian sports minister Matvii Bidnyi said in a statement to Sky News: "Gianni Infantino's words sound irresponsible - not to say infantile. They detach football from the reality in which children are being killed."

Mr Bidnyi said over 100 footballers are among more than 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches killed by Russians.

He added: "War is a crime, not politics. It is Russia that politicises sport and uses it to justify aggression. I share the position of the Ukrainian Association of Football, which also warns against Russia's return to international competitions.

"As long as Russians continue killing Ukrainians and politicising sport, their flag and national symbols have no place among people who respect values such as justice, integrity, and fair play."

Russia has been unable to play at a men's World Cup since hosting in 2018 - with Mr Infantino later receiving the Order of Friendship medal from Mr Putin.

Mr Bidnyi also recently used a Sky News interview to criticise the International Paralympic Committee for lifting its ban on Russia and war ally Belarus.

(c) Sky News 2026: Ukraine hits out at 'infantile' FIFA boss for considering lifting Russia ban