International Football
EU and Ukraine oppose FIFA's push to reinstate Russia in football
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The European Commission and Ukraine's sports minister have strongly criticized FIFA President Gianni Infantino's proposal to lift the ban on Russian teams in international football. The ban, imposed in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, remains in place amid ongoing conflict. Infantino argues the exclusion has only bred frustration, but opponents highlight the war's human cost.
The Republic of Ireland travels to Prague for a World Cup play-off against the Czech Republic on Thursday night. Ireland enters on a wave of momentum after recent wins, while the hosts boast an unbeaten home record in qualifiers. New Czech coach Miroslav Koubek takes charge for his first match.
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Following FIFA's January announcement, the Rwanda-hosted groups of the expanded FIFA Series 2026 have begun in Kigali, featuring eight lower-ranked national teams from Africa, Europe, North and Central America, and Asia competing at Amahoro Stadium and Kigali Pelé Stadium. The event provides rare international matchups during this international break.