2023-10-10 17:26:14
A backpedal. Due to the persistent conflict in Ukraine, UEFA has finally decided to abandon its plan to reinstate Russian teams in its youth competitions, we learned on Tuesday from a spokesperson for the European body. “No technical solution could be found to allow Russian teams to play,” a UEFA spokesperson told AFP.
Two weeks ago, the European body partially lifted the embargo on Russian football. Following a meeting held on September 26 in Limassol (Cyprus), the Executive Committee of the European body announced the reinstatement of the Russian men’s and women’s youth teams to its competitions. This concerned teams under 17 and came into force this season.
Ukraine welcomes this decision
“Children must not be punished for acts for which adults are solely responsible,” UEFA said in a press release. It is particularly regrettable that due to the persistence of the conflict, a generation of minor players is deprived of their right to play in international football competitions.” The objective was to reintegrate Russian teams under 17 into competitions this season, even though the draws have already taken place.
The matches had to be played outside Russian territory, without a flag, national anthem or official uniform. This new decision to abandon this project to reintegrate Russian teams was applauded by Ukraine, which said on Tuesday that it was “grateful” while rejoicing that its position had been “heard”.
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