UEFA will allow Russian youth teams to participate in football competitions again.
UEFA, the governing body for European football, has announced that Russian youth teams will be allowed to participate in continental competitions for the remainder of the season.
UEFA has prohibited Russian international and club teams since the Kremlin’s aggressive attack on Ukraine in February 2022. However, this may soon change as the governing body is working on a “technical solution” for under-17 boys and girls teams to participate.
UEFA released a statement expressing its belief that children should not be held accountable for the actions of adults and reaffirming its stance that football should always promote peace and hope.
UEFA stated that it is deeply upsetting that a whole generation of young players is being denied their opportunity to participate in global soccer due to the ongoing conflict. As a result, the organization’s executive committee has made the decision to allow Russian teams of young players to rejoin their competitions during this season.
According to UEFA’s statement, Russian teams will not display their country’s flag, anthem, or national kit during their matches, and the games will not be held in Russia.
After Vladimir Putin’s tanks entered Ukraine, UEFA ended a partnership agreement with Russian energy company Gazprom and removed the 2022 Champions League final from St. Petersburg.
