44 MEPs Urge FIFA to Reverse Decision Allowing Russia in World Cup

Forty-four members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have addressed a joint letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, urging him to reverse the decision to allow Russian athletes to compete in this year's FIFA U-15 World Cup.

In the letter, which was obtained by European Pravda, the lawmakers highlight that due to Russia's war, Ukrainian children have been deprived of sports opportunities as schools and stadiums have been destroyed. About 20,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly abducted and separated from their families by the Putin regime. The MEPs consider it inappropriate to allow Russian teams to participate in any FIFA events, as Russia uses sports as a tool to promote nationalist, anti-Ukrainian, and anti-Western propaganda and to justify its war of aggression.

"The participation of Russian athletes and the public display of the Russian flag and state symbols at FIFA events would be a public insult to hundreds of Ukrainian families who have suffered pain and loss, having lost their children in Russian attacks," the MEPs stated. They called on Infantino to cancel the decision until Russia agrees to a ceasefire, peace negotiations, and the return of Ukrainian children.

The appeal comes in response to FIFA's recent decision to open its first U-15 World Cup to Russian participants, scheduled for October in Azerbaijan. The Football Federation of Ukraine has already stated it will not compete against Russia.

In late June, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) amended the Olympic Charter, potentially easing Russia's return, and on July 7 temporarily restored the Russian Olympic Committee's rights. The European Commission has expressed concern over these developments.