After allowing Russian U-17 teams back in its competitions, UEFA has explained that the organization does not want to continue punishing children.
The European governing body announced Tuesday that for the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, teams from Russia would be allowed to participate in its competitions.
Days after the invasion, UEFA suspended all Russian international teams and clubs from competition, and also revoked the country’s hosting rights for the 2022 men’s Champions League final and 2023 Super Cup.
FIFA would also join the ban, with Russia barred from participating in the 2022 men’s World Cup and 2023 women’s World Cup, among other competitions.
But UEFA’s ban has now partially been lifted, with the organization saying boys and girls U-17 teams from Russia could return to its competitions.
In a statement, UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin reiterated that the lifting of the ban would go no further than youth teams.
“UEFA’s continuing suspension against Russian adult teams reflects its commitment to take a stand against violence and aggression. UEFA is determined that this position will continue until the war is over and peace restored,” Čeferin said.
“But by banning children from our competitions, we not only fail to recognize and uphold a fundamental right for their holistic development but we directly discriminate against them.
“By providing opportunities to play and compete with their peers from all over Europe, we are investing in what we hope will be a brighter and more capable future generation and a better tomorrow.”
UEFA added that it “reiterated its condemnation of Russia’s illegal war.”
Russian U-17 teams who participate in UEFA competitions will not be allowed wear the national kit, display their flag or play their anthem. A ban on games played in Russia will also continue.
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