Zakharova pointed to the double standards in UEFA's attitude towards Russia and Israel

On September 25, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented on the decision of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) not to suspend Israel from international competitions and pointed to the organization's double standards towards Russia.

"We believe that common standards are needed. And Russophobia must be eradicated," Zakharova told Sport-Express.

She clarified that under pressure from US officials, the issue of the possible removal of Israeli teams had previously been removed from the agenda. This decision opens up the possibility for Maccabi Tel Aviv to hold scheduled matches in the framework of European competitions.

As for Russian athletes, on September 22, Maxim Mitrofanov, Secretary General of the Russian Football Union (RFU), announced that the executive committee of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) had not considered the issue of returning Russian teams to international tournaments.

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A day earlier, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov pointed to the ongoing politicized attitude towards Russia in the field of sports, and that double standards were being applied to the country. However, Peskov stressed that Russia needs to continue its dialogue with international sports organizations, defend its position and "maintain its presence" at major competitions.

On September 19, the Italian Association of Coaches (AIAC) sent a letter to the President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Gabriele Gravina, calling on UEFA and the International Football Federation (FIFA) to suspend Israel from international competitions for a time.

In addition, a number of European countries strongly opposed Russia's return to international tournaments during a meeting of the executive committee of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) on September 11. Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Ukraine, as well as France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, Ireland, England, Scotland and Iceland opposed Russia's participation in international competitions.

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