FIFA president Gianni Infantino has opened the door for a banned nation to return to international competitions.
Gianni Infantino has left the door open for Russia's potential return to international football competitions, despite their ongoing ban due to the conflict with Ukraine.
Russia was excluded from all FIFA and UEFA competitions after invading Ukraine in 2022, but Infantino's recent comments suggest a possible reversal.
At the 139th Annual General Meeting of The IFAB in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Infantino expressed his desire for all countries to participate in international football.
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"We want to have all the countries playing," he said.
"We all hope that peace talks will be successful because I think it is important that we support it for the world, much more than for football, that we have peace."
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Infantino also emphasised the universal appeal of football, stating,
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"Football is the game of everyone. Everyone loves football. It's the number one sport in the world and we have to bring everyone on the table... We unite the world."
The The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
US President Donald Trump is reportedly pursuing a peace deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which could potentially pave the way for Russia's return to international football