Infantino calls to lift Russia ban as 'Israel' double standard row grows

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has triggered sharp international criticism after calling for an end to Russia’s four-year exclusion from global football, reigniting accusations of a double standard over FIFA’s refusal to suspend 'Israel' amid the war crimes on Gaza.

In an interview with Sky News, Infantino said the ban on Russia “must” be lifted, arguing it has failed to achieve meaningful results and has instead fueled resentment within the sport.

“This ban has achieved nothing”

Asked whether FIFA should move to reinstate Russia, Infantino replied: “We have to. Definitely. Because this ban has not achieved anything. It has just created more frustration and hatred.”

He suggested that Russian youth teams should be allowed to return first, saying young players should not be punished for political decisions. Infantino also floated the idea of amending FIFA statutes to prevent bans based on the actions of political leaders.

Russia has been barred from international football since 2022 following its war on Ukraine.

Accusations of a double standard

Infantino’s remarks have drawn renewed scrutiny of FIFA’s stance on 'Israel', which has faced growing calls for suspension over the destruction of Palestinian sports facilities and the killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

For more than a year, the Palestinian Football Association, alongside several member associations including Turkey and Spain, has urged FIFA to take action against 'Israel'. United Nations human rights experts have also raised concerns over attacks on civilian infrastructure, including stadiums and training grounds and the murders of Palestinian athletes.

Critics say FIFA’s willingness to reconsider Russia’s ban stands in stark contrast to its repeated delays on any vote related to 'Israel'. Infantino has previously said football “cannot solve geopolitical problems” and warned that suspending 'Israel' would be a “defeat” for the sport.

Analyst says FIFA plays favorites

“FIFA moved with clear bias in favor of the European football establishment when UEFA called for Russia’s isolation on February 26, 2022, just two days after the war began,” a football analyst told Roya News English.

“The decision was taken without convening a FIFA Congress and went beyond football, effectively dismantling the entire Russian sporting system.”

The analyst said the opposite approach was taken in the case of 'Israel'. “When a special FIFA Congress was held in Bangkok to vote on suspending Israel from international football, FIFA intervened to postpone the vote to the Paraguay Congress in Asunción. Later, it claimed there was insufficient evidence.”

According to the analyst, this handling reflects a deeper moral crisis within the organization. “This ethical collapse has created a growing rift inside FIFA and widespread distrust of its leadership, which is increasingly viewed as a media and political tool for powerful states, willing to disregard human rights laws and the fundamental right of all people to play football without being subjected to ethnic cleansing.”

Ukraine and European backlash

The response from Ukraine was swift. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described Infantino as a “moral degenerate,” saying hundreds of Ukrainian children will never play football because they were killed in the war.

Across Europe, several football powers have reiterated their opposition to Russia’s return. England, Poland, and Sweden have warned they will boycott matches against Russian teams, while UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin has maintained that Russia cannot be readmitted until the war ends.

Trump factor adds pressure

The controversy has also been linked to Infantino’s close ties with the President of the United States, Donald Trump. Infantino recently defended awarding Trump a bespoke “FIFA Peace Prize” during the 2026 World Cup draw.

Trump’s administration strongly supports 'Israel' and has pledged to block any United Nations-led effort to exclude 'Israel' from the 2026 World Cup, which the United States is co-hosting.

With the tournament approaching, Infantino faces mounting pressure from multiple fronts. While he argues that engagement keeps “ties open,” critics say his stance risks eroding FIFA’s moral credibility and deepening divisions within the global game.