The RFU expressed hope for the early lifting of sanctions against Russian football teams.

On May 24, Alexander Dyukov, President of the Russian Football Union (RFU), expressed hope for the early return of Russian football players to international tournaments.

"Football is more politicized, because it is the most popular. The decision (on the admission of Russian youth teams. — Ed.) was back in 2023, but, unfortunately, it was not implemented. I hope this year the solution will be implemented, there will be new solutions," RIA Novosti quoted him as saying.

Now with the IOC: Russia accelerates its return to world sport

Sports authorities expand Russians' access to competitions

President of the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) Gianni Infantino said on February 2 that FIFA should consider lifting the ban on Russian teams participating in international tournaments. He also opposed bans on the participation of any countries, calling the measures caused by politics a defeat.