Ukraine's sports minister has called Fifa president Gianni Infantino 'irresponsible' and 'infantile' for suggesting that world football's governing body will consider lifting its ban on Russia.
Russian national teams and clubs were suspended from all competitions by FIFA and UEFA in February 2022 after the country's invasion of Ukraine.
Despite the ongoing war, Infantino remarked that 'this ban has not achieved anything' and has 'just created more frustration and hatred'. He proposed that allowing Russian youths to partake in football games in Europe could foster a more peaceful environment.
In reaction, Bidnyi stated on social media, 'Gianni Infantino's words sound irresponsible - not to say infantile. They detach football from the reality in which children are being killed.'
He continued by pointing out that over 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed due to Russian aggression, including more than one hundred footballers.
Infantino had previously been awarded the Russian Order of Friendship medal by president Vladimir Putin for the 2018 World Cup held in Russia.
Since Russia's suspension, the country has not participated in the 2022 World Cup or UEFA's Euro 2024 and will not compete in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. However, they have played against non-Western nations without needing FIFA or UEFA’s consent.
'War is a crime, not politics,' Bidnyi asserted. 'It is Russia that politicizes sport and uses it to justify aggression. Their flag and national symbols have no place among those who uphold values like justice and fair play.'
Last year, Ukraine condemned the International Paralympic Committee's decision to lift bans on Russian and Belarusian athletes, stating it allowed entities to compete under flags associated with violence and bloodshed.
