Ukrainian Football Association president to meet FIFA chief after his remarks on Russians' return to international competitions
Andriy Shevchenko, President of the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF), has said that he plans to meet FIFA President Gianni Infantino after the latter's controversial comments about bringing Russians back into international competitions.
Source: Andriy Shevchenko at a press conference
Details: Shevchenko said that he intends to meet Infantino to brief him again on the war in Ukraine and the UAF's position. He added that the FIFA Council is not currently considering the issue of Russia's return.
Quote: "The UAF responded immediately to Infantino's comment. You all saw our statement. We clearly stated our position, which has not changed: while the war continues we are adamantly opposed to Russians returning to football. Over these days there has been communication with FIFA representatives at different levels.
At the moment, the FIFA Council is not considering the return of Russians. I am planning a meeting with Gianni Infantino to once again convey, in concrete terms, information about the war in Ukraine and our position. Colleagues from different associations support us. While this support remains with us and is united, the return of Russians to competitions is not being considered."
Background:
- Infantino said earlier that Russia's suspension from international competitions had brought no benefit. He said he hoped Russian representatives could return, first at youth level.
- Legendary Czech ice hockey goaltender Dominik Hašek also responded to Infantino's remarks, calling for Russia's return to the international arena to be stopped.
- Infantino was also criticised by Matvii Bidnyi, Ukraine's Minister of Youth and Sports, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Ukrainian famous football coach Myron Markevych, Shakhtar CEO Serhii Palkin and Yozhef Sabo, former head coach of Dynamo Kyiv FC and the Ukraine football national team.
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