three UEFA vice-presidents were against the admission of Russian youth teams to tournaments – Kommersant

Three of the five vice-presidents of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) did not support the return of Russian youth teams to competition this season, reports Sky News. This issue was considered at the organization’s executive committee, and 20 members of the executive committee took part in the voting.

According to the channel, the return of the Russians was opposed by the Englishman David Gill, the representative of Wales Laura McAllister and the Pole Zbigniew Boniek. Two other UEFA vice-presidents – Swede Karl-Erik Nilsson and Italian Gabriel Gravina – spoke in favor of allowing Russians to participate in international competitions.

26 September UEFA Executive Committee admitted Russian youth teams are preparing for international competitions this season. It is expected that women’s and men’s teams from the Russian Federation will play their matches without the flag, the national anthem, and also not in Russia.

The Polish Football Union did not agree with the UEFA decision, stating that Polish teams will not compete with the Russians. Sweden refused Russian women are allowed to participate in the Youth Euro 2024, which will be held from May 5 to 18.

Laura Keffer