UEFA’s executive committee announced on Tuesday that Russian underage teams will be readmitted to competition this season, maintaining the suspension of other teams, clubs and national teams due to the war in Ukraine.
“The UEFA Executive Committee decided that Russian teams that include underage players will be readmitted to their competitions this season. In this regard, the executive committee asked the UEFA administration to propose a technical solution that would allow the reinstatement of Russian underage players. under 17 years of age (both women and men), even when the draw has already been made,” UEFA said in a statement.
Despite readmission, teams will play games outside the country, without the national flag, anthem or playing equipment, explains the UEFA Executive Committee, which met in Limassol, Cyprus on Tuesday.
“Children should not be punished for actions for which adults are solely responsible. [a UEFA] firmly believes that football should never stop sending messages of peace and hope. It is especially unfortunate that due to the continuation of the conflict, a generation of minors is deprived of the right to play in international football,” he emphasizes.
UEFA also reiterated its condemnation of Russia’s “illegal war” and confirmed that the disqualification of all other Russian teams, clubs and national teams will remain in place until the end of the conflict in Ukraine.
“UEFA’s continued suspension of Russian senior teams reflects its commitment to taking a stance against violence and aggression. UEFA is determined to maintain this position until the war ends and peace is restored. But by prohibiting children from participating in our competitions, we are not only failing to recognize and protect the fundamental right to their holistic development, we are also directly discriminating against them,” UEFA President Aleksandar Čeferin was quoted as saying in the organization’s statement.
Čeferin explained that being able to compete with their peers in Europe is also an “investment” in what they hope will be a “brighter and more capable future generation.”
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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