For the first time since its invasion of Ukraine 19 months ago, Russia will be allowed to compete in the European Under-17 championships.
Recall that UEFA banned any Russian teams from taking part in any European football competitions after Russia started its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Additionally, it cancelled the sponsorship agreement with Russian energy firm Gazprom, and revoked the hosting rights for the 2022 Champions League final and 2023 Super Cup, which were scheduled to be held in Saint Petersburg and Kazan, respectively.
However, UEFA is making room for Russian male and female teams to reenter Under-17 events even if they have started already.
Additionally, it was said that neither team would be allowed to hoist their flag, sing their national anthem, and play European games in Russia.
In 2024, Cyprus is slated to host the finals of the forthcoming Under-17 male European Championship. The women’s equivalent will be held in Sweden in May of 2024. Based on the new development, Russian under-17 teams are likely to participate in those events.
The other Russian teams are still suspended, according to UEFA, which has reiterated its condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“Uefa’s continuing suspension against Russian adult teams reflects its commitment to take a stand against violence and aggression. Uefa is determined that this position will continue until the war is over and peace restored,” UEFA’s president Aleksander Ceferin said.
“But by banning children from our competitions, we do not only fail to recognize and uphold a fundamental right for their holistic development but we directly discriminate against them.
“By providing opportunities to play and compete with their peers from all over Europe, we are investing in what we hope will be a brighter and more capable future generation and a better tomorrow.”
