FIFA is beginning discussions on the possible full lifting of the ban on Russian teams taking part in international tournaments, Sky News reports.
According to the broadcaster, the move followed a call by the International Olympic Committee for international sports federations to lift sanctions against Russia imposed after the start of the war in Ukraine.
Russian national teams and clubs have been barred from competitions under the auspices of FIFA and UEFA since 2022.
The IOC earlier reinstated the membership of the Russian Olympic Committee and formally notified international sports federations of the decision.
Sky News notes that this effectively opens the way for the Russian national team’s full participation in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
At the same time, the IOC fully withdrew its previous recommendations, which had instructed international federations not to admit Russian teams to competitions.
“FIFA is aware of the IOC’s decision to provisionally lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee’s membership. FIFA will analyze this decision before taking further steps in coordination with the relevant stakeholders,” the international football federation told Sky News.
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