Despite the suspension: Russia retains voting rights in FIFA presidential elections
The Russian Football Union retains its voting rights in FIFA presidential elections, despite the suspension of its national teams from international tournaments. Gianni Infantino, currently running unopposed, has previously expressed support for reviewing the ban on Russia.
The Russian Football Union still holds voting rights in FIFA presidential elections, despite the fact that Russian national teams have been suspended from major international competitions since 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine.
FIFA and UEFA suspended Russia from their competitions in 2022, after FIFA initially attempted to allow the national team to continue in the World Cup qualifiers under a different name, on neutral grounds, and without national symbols. Following fierce opposition from several European associations, including Poland, which was scheduled to face Russia in the World Cup qualifiers, it was decided to extend the suspension.
However, the Russian Football Union's membership in FIFA was not revoked, and therefore its representatives are still allowed to participate in the organization's congress and vote in presidential elections. A similar situation exists in UEFA, although many of the continent's top associations still oppose the return of Russia to competitions.
This issue naturally takes on special significance ahead of the next FIFA presidential elections. Gianni Infantino is currently running unopposed, but is under increasing pressure from figures in UEFA and also from representatives of CONCACAF and Asia. In such a situation, every vote could be important if a competing candidate emerges.
The Russian Football Union refused to tell "The Athletic" whether it supports the re-election of Infantino. The relationship between the parties has previously received much attention: in 2019, Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded Infantino the "Order of Friendship" for his contribution to the organization of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Earlier this year, Infantino even spoke out in favor of a re-examination of the Russian suspension. When asked if the removal of the ban should be considered, he replied:
"We must. Absolutely. This suspension has achieved nothing, it has only created more frustration and hatred."
In 2023, FIFA and UEFA already partially eased the restrictions, when they allowed Russian U-17 teams to return to international competitions under certain conditions: without the flag, anthem, and national uniforms, and under the name "Football Union of Russia."
