A Russian team could be allowed to participate in a FIFA event for the first time since Moscow launched its military campaign in Ukraine in 2022. The world football governing body announced the first U-15 World Cup and Festival, scheduled for October in Azerbaijan, will be open to all member associations.
FIFA banned Russia from international tournaments in February 2022 after the country attacked Ukraine. However, in 2023, FIFA lifted the ban on Russian men’s and women’s U-17 teams.
Despite this, Russian teams have remained absent from competitions organized by FIFA and UEFA for U-17 age groups, as several European nations, including Ukraine and England, continue to boycott Russia due to the ongoing invasion.
“The first edition will be open to boys’ teams from all FIFA member associations, with a second edition in 2027 dedicated exclusively to girls,” FIFA said on Wednesday about the U-15 World Cup and Festival.
“From 2028 onward, all member associations will be invited to participate with both boys’ and girls’ U-15 teams in two separate tournaments.”
The U-15 event is set to kick off on October 22 and conclude after nine days.
