FIFA allows Russian soccer teams play in its Under-17 World Cups if they qualify

By GRAHAM DUNBAR
AP Sports Writer

GENEVA (AP) — FIFA has approved the possible reintegration of Russian youth teams into its competitions and eased a total ban on the country in international soccer amid the war in Ukraine. The decision by the FIFA Council followed eight days after European soccer body UEFA provoked a rare split among its own executive committee and member federations by welcoming back Russian national teams for boys and girls into its competitions. FIFA’s decision means Russian teams can play in its Under-17 World Cups, but only if they advance through UEFA-run qualifying formats. FIFA says any Russian youth team in its competitions would play under the name “Football Union of Russia” rather than “Russia.”