England will retain a stance against playing teams from Russia despite UEFA partially lifting their ban on the nation to allow Under-17 sides to compete in its competitions, according to reports.
The governing body was swift to hand down a total ban on both national and club sides in the wake of Russian aggression 18 months ago, and the organisation's president Aleksander Ceferin stated in April that it would be 'very hard' to overturn the ruling as long as Russia remained involved in their conflict with Ukraine.
However, UEFA announced on Tuesday that they would ease the ban to enable Russian youngsters to play and develop - insisting it was 'aware that children should not be punished for actions whose responsibility lies exclusively with adults.
The statement added: 'For these reasons, the UEFA Executive Committee has decided that Russian teams of minor players will be readmitted to its competitions in the course of this season.
'It is particularly aggrieving that, due to the enduring conflict, a generation of minors is deprived of its right to compete in international football.
'The Executive Committee has asked the UEFA administration to propose a technical solution that would enable the reinstatement of the Russian U17 teams (both girls and boys) even when draws have already been held.'
Despite UEFA's ruling, the FA will continue to oppose playing teams from Russia, with the governing body still believing the nation should not be readmitted into European youth competitions, as claimed by Sky News.
Last year, shortly after Russia had invaded Ukraine - and before UEFA's ban came into effect - England reitereated their vow to not play Russia in any competition while they were still involved in the conflict.
A statement from the FA in February 2022 read: 'Out of solidarity with the Ukraine and to wholeheartedly condemn the atrocities being committed by the Russian leadership, The FA can confirm that we won't play against Russia in any international fixtures for the foreseeable future.
'This includes any potential match at any level of senior, age group or para football.'
While UEFA has partially lifted the ban, they insisted any ties featuring the youth sides will be played on neutral ground, and the teams will not be able to either wear the Russian national team strip, nor play the national anthem before kick-off.
Alongside the ban, UEFA issued a statement that said that the organisation's executive committee 'reiterated its condemnation of Russia's illegal war and confirmed that the suspension of all other teams of Russia (including clubs and national teams) will remain in force until the end of the conflict in Ukraine'.
In April, Russia discussed the possibility of lifting the ban after u-turning on a proposed switch to the Asian Football Confederation.
'We are negotiating with UEFA about the restoration, removal of bans, negotiations are difficult, these are long conversations that go on all the time,' RFU Secretary General Maxim Mitrofanov told Russia's official state news agency TASS at the time.
'UEFA does not want the RFU to leave, and the RFU does not want to leave, but nevertheless, it is very important to restore the games for the clubs, youth teams and the first team, of course we want to play.'
Blaqpablo
0
Because they are in Asia more so have the longest military occupation in modern history.
is Australia an Asia team why are they playing in Russia....or is Swansea or Cardiff an English team
Blaqpablo
0
One day people will appreciate Russia only the senseless and the blind who don't know and see are the ones who will never say thanks.
appreciate Russia for killing other people shame on you
Cuzaikmp
1
The English Monarch 🤴 must 1st return the diamonds belonging to South Africa 🇿🇦 before pretending to be decent people or civilised humanitarians. Why don’t English people pressure their own government to reverse every stolen piece to their rightful owners before punishing the humble citizens who have nothing to do with the ongoing war in 🇺🇦 Ukraine
westloord
0
Russia football team on there first day play football again
dakbdekpuy
1
when it's in Africa or somewhere football and politics don't go together....
Kawbeiors
3
One day people will appreciate Russia only the senseless and the blind who don't know and see are the ones who will never say thanks.
tampumi
1
I love Russia
tampumi
0
The same england 🏴 and Urfa have allowed Israel 🇮🇱 to play in Europe. The Double standard is clear.
I concur
29082989(deleted)
0
Ban all africa because of all rebel terrorism and government corruption also, ban mexico and south american teams because of cartel violence
Exactly they will be left with like Norwary💀 or some random island lmao! I hate how they pick and choose what is considered unacceptable💀 but then ignore everything else around the world. Im not even Russian but it’s kinda unfair to ruin a childs future because of their president something they cant control
Lesbcdikr
0
Putin after hearing this news from England
TheOddOne
0
The same england 🏴 and Urfa have allowed Israel 🇮🇱 to play in Europe. The Double standard is clear.
dun mention other country when Russia is the only one who aggressively attacked others.
TheOddOne
2
Crazy man. Russians should just give up sports since they loves war
sewdiklost
0
What’s wrong with Israeli teams competing in Europe?
Because they are in Asia more so have the longest military occupation in modern history.
Zabbdkpu
2
so if England should meet Russia in a final tournament they will boycott it
Vokabcly
3
Same England is putting,no room for racism on EPL clubs jersey’s...hypocrites in the highest order.
Kaboi123
0
The same england 🏴 and Urfa have allowed Israel 🇮🇱 to play in Europe. The Double standard is clear.
What’s wrong with Israeli teams competing in Europe?
sewdiklost
2
The same england 🏴 and Urfa have allowed Israel 🇮🇱 to play in Europe. The Double standard is clear.
Donbekosy
0
Lets keep Politics in Sports, now go Ban USA, England, Germany, France, Belgium just like Russia
this is why we need not to politicize football, cuz every country is guilty of human rights violation one way or another. Let the game play void of politics inorder to unite us.
Natanya
3
Give Russia the point they win by default simple
Natanya
2
I didn't know the players are the one fighting war I thought their job is to play football. America is always at war somewhere and I've never seen them ban from playing the double standards of the west is just disgusting.
Luzeirstu
3
England knows that if Russia can win the whole of Europe in War ,then Russia will just demolish and kill them in football. What a shame politics in sports
Vinklpsz
1
Lets keep Politics in Sports, now go Ban USA, England, Germany, France, Belgium just like Russia
Ban all africa because of all rebel terrorism and government corruption also, ban mexico and south american teams because of cartel violence
29082989(deleted)
0
Lets keep Politics in Sports, now go Ban USA, England, Germany, France, Belgium just like Russia
Ban China for Exploiting Africa while your playing the political game FIfA
29082989(deleted)
0
Lets keep Politics in Sports, now go Ban USA, England, Germany, France, Belgium just like Russia
Ban them too
29082989(deleted)
2
Lets keep Politics in Sports, now go Ban USA, England, Germany, France, Belgium just like Russia
Herve2
5
In simple England are just scared of be beaten by Russia 🇷🇺, Russia for life and long live to president Putin.
nuwdioprs
1
The greatest hypocrites of all forming saint
cule_fcb
1
they are just scared
estabancr7
2
They choose to play against Israel and refuses to play against Russia why the double standards
miebkmnu
0
Why now tell me please
Banks10
2
Peter still paying for Paul? That's old now isn't it? Players playing soccer not fighting in the war, why hold grudge against them?
Cadabckpsz
0
keep overhyping russophobia as you are holy
Ramaensuyz
0
no need of young players punsed because of Russia military
Kicelnpstu
1
then they will be out of the competition and still pay fine
Zusbcimopy
0
England n show show,na one n two
cizbckopsu
0
Russian teams will play Ceferin United
246barca
1
polytricks has no place in football smh