Uefa could block Russia returning to football in potential new clash with Fifa

<ul><li><p>Russia banned since full-scale invasion of Ukraine</p></li><li><p>Many national associations opposed to reintegration</p></li></ul><p>Uefa is prepared to block the return of Russian teams to international football after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/07/ioc-lifts-suspension-russia-compete-la-2028-olympics">provisionally lifted the country’s suspension</a> from global competition.</p><p>Fifa has indicated it will review its position after imposing a ban on Russian teams in the wake of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine four years ago. It said on Tuesday that it would “analyse the decision before deciding on next steps”, and Uefa’s stance sets up <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/06/uefa-fifa-folarin-balogun-controversy-decision-usa-belgium-gianni-infantino-aleksander-ceferin">another potential clash</a> with the world governing body.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/08/uefa-ioc-fifa-russia-football-teams-ukraine-invasion">Continue reading...</a>