FIFA to discuss lifting ban on Russian teams after IOC urged sports to end war-related sanctions

FIFA will formally discuss lifting the ban on all Russian teams after the International Olympic Committee urged all sports to end war-related sanctions, Sky News can reveal.

No Russian teams have played in international competitions since they were banned by FIFA and UEFA after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

But now the IOC has ended the suspension on Russia's Olympic Committee and told international sports federations on Monday, clearing the path for a Russian team at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The IOC has dropped recommendations to ban Russian teams from competing in events.

World football's governing body told Sky News: "FIFA has been made aware of the decision taken by the IOC to provisionally lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee.

"FIFA will analyse the decision before deciding on next steps in coordination with the relevant stakeholders."

Russia has been banned from qualifying for the 2022 and 2026 men's World Cups and the 2023 Women's World Cup.

The sanctions were because teams in Europe were refusing to play against Russian opponents.

But FIFA President Gianni Infantino told Sky News in February that "we have to" look at restoring Russian teams.

He added: "This ban has not achieved anything, it has just created more frustration and hatred."

FIFA has already agreed to allow Russia's under-15s boys' team to compete at a youth World Cup in October which will be staged in Azerbaijan.

UEFA abandoned plans to bring back Russian youth teams in 2023 after a backlash within Europe.

The IOC leaves it to every sport to make their own call on bringing back Russian teams.

The IOC said: "The decision on whether to host events and sports competitions in Russia, to invite Russian government or state officials to competitions, or to allow the display of the Russian flag, anthem, colours or any other identifications, is at the discretion of each IF (international federation) and international sports event organiser, and should reflect whether their national federations are in good standing."

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