The UEFA President supported the return of Russian youth teams to international tournaments.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin expressed regret over the suspension of Russian football teams from international tournaments. This was reported by Politico.

Čeferin noted that he does not support the idea of excluding athletes. According to him, “it is difficult to understand how athletes can influence the government and stop the war.”

“The suspension of Russians has been ongoing for three and a half years, yet the conflict in Ukraine has not ceased.”

He also added that the organization tried to reinstate Russian youth teams under 17 in tournaments, even receiving support from the executive committee. Nevertheless, “political obstacles and threats of boycotts from other national federations hindered this.”

The UEFA President believes that they were among the first to take measures, believing that sport can help resolve a difficult situation. Unfortunately, reality turned out to be different. Čeferin emphasizes that ending the war is an unconditional necessity.

Regarding the situation with Euro 2024, he noted that the participation of the national teams of Ukraine or Israel could create security challenges at the tournament.

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