"Finally, the Russian national teams and clubs will return." UEFA makes a statement on Russia's return to the family, calling the war "this situation"

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has expressed hope that in 2025 Russian clubs and national teams will be able to participate in international tournaments again. Director of the Department of National Associations Zoran Lakovic said that Russia should return to the "European sports family."

Speaking at an extraordinary conference of the Russian Football Union (RFU), Lakovich emphasized that Russian football has always been respected in Europe thanks to its history, outstanding players and coaches, and the work of many specialists.

He also drew a parallel with the situation of Serbia in the 1990s, when the country was suspended from international competitions due to UN sanctions. According to him, Serbian athletes lost the opportunity to compete at the highest level, being isolated for more than four years.

"I hope that during this year, all Russian athletes, including the Russian national football team and clubs, will finally return to their former place where they were before this situation. They will return to the European sports family," the 47-year-old Serb said.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, the Russian national team will not participate in the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Thus, FIFA has extended the sanctions imposed on the country because of its military aggression against Ukraine. The decision to suspend Russia from all international football competitions was made by FIFA and UEFA in February 2022.

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