The UEFA Executive Committee allowed Russian youth teams to participate in international competitions

The Executive Committee of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has allowed Russian youth teams to participate in international competitions this season, it follows from press release on the confederation website. The Executive Committee also appealed to the leadership of the organization with a request to develop a mechanism for the restoration of Russian national teams under 17 years of age.

The meeting of the executive committee took place today, September 26, in Cyprus. Based on its results, it was decided that underage players from Russia would be allowed to compete. It is noted that all matches of Russian teams will be held without the country’s flag, anthem, national playing uniform and not on the territory of the Russian Federation.

“UEFA recognizes that children should not be punished for actions for which adults alone are responsible, and firmly believes that football should never stop sending messages of peace and hope. It is particularly unfortunate that, due to the ongoing conflict, a generation of minors is deprived of the right to compete in international football,” the organization said in a statement.

In February 2022, the International Football Federation (FIFA) and UEFA suspended the Russian national team and Russian clubs from all international competitions. The Russian Football Union’s attempt to appeal the decisions in the Court of Arbitration for Sport was unsuccessful. In September, UEFA did not allow the Russian team to participate in the draw for the qualifying tournament for the 2024 European Championship. On September 21, FIFA President Gianni Infantino allowed the Russian national team to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but noted that a decision on this issue has not yet been made.