FIFA President Gianni Infantino (54 years old), a declared supporter of the United States President, Donald Trump, hinted that Russia could return to competitions hosted by the world’s largest football governing body.
The announcement was made by Infantino on Saturday, before the International Football Association Board (IFAB) meeting in Belfast, in a context already known to be highly tense in terms of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and the USA. Ukrainian leader Zelenski left the White House on Friday evening after a heated verbal conflict with his counterpart Donald Trump in the Oval Office.
Suddenly, Infantino speaks in Northern Ireland about the possibility of Russia returning to play in FIFA competitions. This could happen after the conflict in Ukraine is resolved. Russia was excluded three years ago by UEFA and FIFA due to the invasion launched in Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
"We all hope that the peace negotiations will be successful, because I believe it is important to support them for everyone, not just for football. If football can play a role, no matter how small, once peace is achieved, then, of course, we will play our part. We hope that all countries in this world can play football.
I think it is absolutely crucial for the success of a World Cup to have a close relationship with President Trump. Our goal is to bring everyone to the table. After our adventures in North America in 2026, we will move to South America, then to Africa, and finally, we will return to Europe in 2030 (Spain and Portugal, together with Morocco) before returning to Asia in 2034."
"We bring the world together and ensure that football is played everywhere and loved everywhere. We offer people opportunities to meet and come together," Infantino stated, according to the Spanish newspaper AS.
This position of Infantino raises questions about a possible relaxation of sanctions imposed on Russia in the field of football, in the context of the new foreign policy of the Trump administration and its relations with world leaders.
D.A.