Uefa has confirmed that Russia will be readmitted to European U-17 competitions for the first time since the country’s invasion of Ukraine 19 months ago.
The European football’s governing body says boys and girls should not be punished for the actions of adults.
UEFA suspended all Russian teams from European competitions when the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
It also revoked hosting rights for the 2022 Champions League final and 2023 Super Cup, which were due to be held in Saint Petersburg and Kazan respectively, as well as cancelling the sponsorship contract with state-owned energy giant Gazprom.
UEFA says it has “reiterated its condemnation of Russia’s illegal war” and confirmed all other Russian teams remain suspended.
UEFA’s executive committee has asked the organisation’s administration to “propose a technical solution” to allow teams back into U-17 competitions even if they have already started.
It added that the matches will not be played in Russia and the teams will not be allowed to wear the national kit, display their flag, or play their anthem.
Bbc