The 72nd Congress of the International Football Federation (FIFA) took place in Qatar today. Many experts announced that they would review further membership of the Russian Football Union (RFU) due to the Russian army's invasion of Ukraine.
However, FIFA did not consider excluding the RFU.
The head of the organization, Gianni Infantino, commented on this issue.
According to the official, FIFA is a platform for talks, so the organization is doing everything possible to ensure that the parties can end the war.
"Excluding the RFU from FIFA is not an option. If we do not gather people during our congresses, then it is better for us to stop our activities and go home. I can only urge leaders to dialogue and de-escalating the conflict," FIFA quoted the president as saying.
According to Infantino, the exclusion of the Russian national team and Russian clubs [from UEFA and FIFA tournaments] was not an easy decision.
"It affected people who love football. But for us it was a way to bring peace closer," Infantino said.
On 28 February, the International Football Federation and UEFA suspended Russia from all international competitions at the level of national teams and clubs due to Russia's aggression against Ukraine.