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Infantino Urges Russia’s Return, Defends Trump Peace Prize, Apologizes to British Fans

The FIFA president used a TV interview to push engagement over exclusion, signaling a shift in rhetoric rather than an immediate rule change.

Overview

  • Gianni Infantino told Sky News FIFA should lift Russia’s suspension at least for youth teams, arguing the ban has achieved nothing and fuels frustration.
  • He rejected calls to boycott the 2026 World Cup in the United States, saying bans and boycotts do not help and that football should remain a meeting ground.
  • Infantino defended awarding FIFA’s new Peace Prize to President Donald Trump, insisting Trump objectively deserves it for helping resolve conflicts.
  • He apologized for a Davos joke about British fans’ arrest record, calling it a light‑hearted remark and praising efforts to curb football violence.
  • He said FIFA should consider enshrining a no‑bans principle in its statutes, while noting Russia’s exclusion from FIFA and UEFA events remains in force pending any formal decisions.