Koloskov Predicts UEFA Will Not Address Russian Athlete Issue on February 11

The Status of Russian Athletes

According to Главком: Vyacheslav Koloskov, the honorary president of the Russian Football Union, has expressed doubt that UEFA will consider the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) recommendations regarding Russian athletes at its upcoming executive committee meeting in Brussels on February 11. He cited a number of complicating factors that hinder the possibility of Russian athletes participating in international competitions.

Russian football clubs and national teams have been suspended from international tournaments since 2022. This has resulted in several significant absences:

• The Russian national team missed the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 European Championship;
• It will be unable to participate in the 2026 World Cup;
• It will also miss this year's Nations League.

In December 2025, the IOC recommended lifting all restrictions on young Russian athletes and allowing them to compete under their national anthem and flag. However, Koloskov stated the situation remains complex. He noted that UEFA previously allowed Russian under-17 teams to compete, but later reversed this decision due to difficulties in obtaining visas and closed airspace.

'I have said many times that nothing will change until the special military operation is over. UEFA is unlikely to take a risk, having had the experience with the under-17 teams,' - Vyacheslav Koloskov

Ukraine's National Team Continues Its Campaign

While the situation for Russian athletes remains uncertain, the Ukrainian national team continues its fight to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. In the semi-final of the qualification play-offs on March 26, 2026, the Ukrainian team will face Sweden. Ukraine recently demonstrated strong form with a victory over Iceland, scoring two goals in the second half.

The status of Russian athletes on the international stage remains tense due to the ongoing political circumstances and the IOC recommendations, which have yet to gain UEFA's approval. The exclusion of Russian teams from international competitions, now extending beyond a year, has significantly impacted the development of football within the country. This ongoing suspension stands in stark contrast to the active participation of the Ukrainian national team, highlighting the divergent sporting paths of the two nations amidst the wider geopolitical context.