FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces intense international criticism after advocating for Russia’s immediate return to global football and defending a controversial peace prize awarded to Donald Trump.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has triggered significant backlash by asserting that the international ban on Russian football should “definitely” be lifted.
Speaking to Sky News, Infantino argued that the exclusion, imposed following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, has failed to influence geopolitics and has instead “just created more frustration and hatred.”
He proposed amending FIFA statutes to ensure no nation is ever barred from competing due to the actions of political leaders.
The comments drew immediate condemnation from Ukrainian officials, who labeled the stance “infantile” and detached from the reality of the ongoing conflict.
Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi criticized the FIFA chief for ignoring the deaths of Ukrainian children while advocating for Russia’s reintegration.
Infantino also used the interview to defend his decision to award U.S. President Donald Trump a “peace prize,” insisting the leader “objectively” deserves the honor for resolving global conflicts.