Infantino Criticises Russia Ban as Ukraine Hits Back

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has questioned the ban on Russian teams, saying it has
only fuelled “frustration and hatred” rather than helped the situation.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Infantino argued football should not punish countries for the
actions of political leaders and said keeping sporting ties open could be beneficial.
Ukraine’s sports minister Matvii Bidnyi strongly condemned the remarks, calling them
“irresponsible” and “infantile”, and accusing Infantino of ignoring the reality of the war.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has maintained Russia cannot return until the
conflict ends.
Infantino also defended FIFA’s decision to award a peace prize to Donald Trump,
saying the former US president “objectively deserves it”.