UEFA, the governing body for European football, confirmed on Tuesday that Russian youth teams are permitted to re-enter its competitions, emphasizing that “children should not bear the consequences” of Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
The decision to allow the involvement of Russian minor teams was taken by the UEFA Executive Committee. “Russian teams composed of minor players are to be readmitted to our competitions during the current season,” the statement from UEFA read.
To facilitate this reintegration, the committee has instructed the UEFA administration to devise a technical solution to incorporate the Russian U17 teams—both girls and boys—even if the draws are already concluded. However, the organization laid down specific conditions, stipulating that all matches involving Russian teams are to occur without the display of the country’s flag, anthem, and national playing kit and must not be hosted on Russian soil.
This development follows Russia’s initiation of hostilities against Ukraine on February 24, 2022, post which all Russian teams, spanning both club and international levels, faced suspension from UEFA competitions. (AA)
