Russia could be allowed to play international football again as Fifa ‘considers lifting blanket ban’

FIFA could end its total ban on Russian teams this AFTERNOON.

But the new position, bringing world chiefs in line with Uefa’s controversial move last week, will ONLY apply to Under-17 sides.

Fifa and Uefa reacted to the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 by booting Russia out of the World Cup play-offs.

The nation were banned from entering the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign and all club sides also prevented from playing in official competitions.

But last week an acrimonious meeting of Uefa’s ruling executive committee voted to allow Under-17 sides to compete, with the condition that no national flags or kit were used and the matches played outside Russian territory.

The FA led a fierce backlash, with other countries including Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Latvia and Lithuania backing Ukraine’s stance that there should be no leeway for Russia, even for “children”.

It subsequently emerged that the Swedish and Danish representatives on Uefa had SUPPORTED the move, despite the stance of the national federations they represent.

And now Fifa is poised to take the same step at this afternoon’s meeting of its ruling Council.

The Fifa decision would allow Under-17 Russian sides to play in the Fifa junior World Cup if they qualify through the Uefa tournaments.

However, the finals of next year’s women’s version is due to be played in Sweden and the Swedish FA has reiterated its stance that Russia will not be allowed to compete.

Today’s likely vote represents a dilemma for FA chair Debbie Hewitt, elected as the Home Nations vice-president.

As a representative of European football, she will be expected to back Uefa’s position but that is diametrically opposed to that of the FA.

Russia have still been permitted to play friendly matches since being slapped with the ban.

It was once reported that they were considering switching to the Asian confederation to escape Uefa’s sanctions.