The Ukrainian Football Association (UAF) says it will not take part in soccer competitions featuring Russian teams, following UEFA’s decision to readmit the country’s youth teams to European tournaments.
“UAF strongly condemns today’s UEFA decision on the return of U-17 teams from the Russian Federation to international competitions,” the UAF said in a statement Wednesday. “UAF insists on preserving the previous decisions of UEFA and FIFA regarding the prevention of all Russian teams from participating in international competitions.”
The UAF has also asked for the cooperation of other footballing bodies in taking the same stance against Russia’s readmission to youth soccer.
“UAF confirms that we will not take part in any competitions with the participation of Russian teams, and appeal to other UEFA member associations to boycott possible matches with the participation of teams from the Russian Federation, subject to their admission. We are convinced that the adoption of similar decisions regarding the gradual return of teams from the Russian Federation to participation in competitions in the midst of hostilities conducted by the Russian Federation against Ukraine is groundless and such that it tolerates Russia’s aggressive policy.”
On Wednesday, the English Football Association (FA) told CNN in a statement that it will not play in any games against Russia.
“We do not support the position of readmitting Russia to UEFA Age Grade Competitions, and our position remains that England teams won’t play against Russia,” the FA’s statement read.
The UAF’s statement concluded by asking UEFA to rethink its decision.
“We strongly urge UEFA to review this decision and leave in force the previous decision on the complete exclusion of any teams from the Russian Federation from participation in international competitions.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday, UEFA said it was aware that “children should not be punished for actions whose responsibility lies exclusively with adults and is firmly convinced that football should never give up sending messages of peace and hope.
“It is particularly aggrieving that, due to the enduring conflict, a generation of minors is deprived of its right to compete in international football.”
UEFA said it will begin to roll out these changes throughout the course of the season and the Russian U17 boys and girls teams will be added to the respective European tournaments taking place next year. UEFA introduced a blanket ban for Russian soccer teams in European competitions in February 2022.
“In this respect, the [UEFA] Executive Committee has asked the UEFA administration to propose a technical solution that would enable the reinstatement of the Russian U17 teams (both girls and boys) even when draws have already been held,” the statement read.
While Russia will be reinstated into UEFA youth soccer, the reintroduction of the teams comes with stipulations.
“All matches of the Russian teams shall be played without the country flag, anthem, national playing kit and not on the Russian territory,” UEFA added.
Despite the decision to reinstate Russian youth teams, UEFA “reiterated its condemnation of Russia’s illegal war and confirmed that the suspension of all other teams of Russia (clubs and national teams) will remain in force until the end of the conflict in Ukraine.”
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