Shevchenko Tackles Infantino: A Milan Legend Takes on Russia’s World Cup Return Debate
11 February 2026
Andriy Shevchenko, president of the Ukrainian Football Association, is pursuing a meeting with Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, after recent remarks by the Swiss leader about Russia returning to competition.
Shevchenko, the former Milan and Chelsea star, wants to tell Infantino that he completely rejects the idea of reintegrating Russian youth national teams into international tournaments while the war in Ukraine continues, warning that such a move could be exploited politically by Vladimir Putin to bolster influence through soft power.
He plans to present his position at the UEFA Congress in Brussels tomorrow, if he has the chance to meet the FIFA chief.
Infantino had said last week that the ban on Russia had produced little noticeable results, and that it has fueled frustration and hatred, urging at least to lift it for youth national teams.
However, implementing Infantino's request would be difficult given most European federations refuse to play Russia while the war continues since February 2022.
Former US president Donald Trump, speaking in May with Infantino present, said allowing Russia to participate in the World Cup could 'give it an incentive to end the war' and urged studying Moscow's return.
Trump's Invitation
Infantino's comments and Trump's remarks collide with the broader European hesitation: lifting bans for youth teams remains a controversial proposition as the war persists, and most federations remain wary of facing Russia on the field anytime soon.
Meanwhile, Ukraine and its allies argue that national teams should not be rewarded with competition openings while aggression continues, underscoring the delicate balance between sport and geopolitics.
In Brussels, the debate will test how far football authorities are willing to bend sport rules for political signaling, and whether a global tournament can serve as a platform for peace rather than a stage for conflict.
Punchline 1: If diplomacy were as simple as a perfectly timed counter-attack, we’d all be sipping espresso with the referee after the final whistle.
Punchline 2: Until then, the only thing getting offside in this saga might be the calendar—2026 could feel like a full season of political extra time.
