The English FA responded to the return of Russian youth national teams to international tournaments

2023-09-27 11:52

The Russian national and club teams, which triggered the war in Ukraine, have been banned from all international tournaments.

However, UEFA decided to slightly soften the sanctions and allowed the country's aggressor U-17 boys' and girls' national teams to participate in international tournaments.

However, Russian youth teams will not be able to play in their country, and there will be no national symbols on their uniforms.

"All Russian men's and women's teams remain suspended, which shows our stance on what is happening in Ukraine. UEFA will stick to this position until the war is over.

However, by not allowing children to compete in international tournaments, we are depriving them of the opportunity and right to fully develop," commented UEFA president A. Čeferinas on the decision.

This UEFA decision has caused dissatisfaction in England, with the country's football association representative confirming that the English teams will not play against the Russian teams.

"We do not support the UEFA decision to bring back the Russian youth teams. Our position remains unchanged - the English national teams will not play against Russia," commented an FA representative on the situation to the BBC.