Sport27.09.2023 - 11:58

UEFA allows Russian youth teams to participate in tournaments without anthem and flag

The organization explained that the ban for youth teams means direct discrimination.

Фото: press service of the Russian national soccer team

According to information published on the official website of UEFA, the executive committee of the organization decided to allow Russian youth soccer teams to participate in the tournaments.

It is also reported that the teams will not be able to perform under their flag, use the national anthem and place the country's symbols on their uniforms.

UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin said the ban for youth teams is outright discrimination.

"Not only do we not recognize and support the fundamental right to their holistic development, but we directly discriminate against them," he explained.

In addition, the executive committee was also asked to consider the possibility of including Russian national soccer teams in the current tournaments, even if the draw stages have already taken place.

In June this year, UEFA said that they had not interrupted contacts with the Russian side despite all the difficulties, and also expressed hope that clubs from Russia would soon return to international tournaments.

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