The political tensions between Ukraine and Russia have been escalating in recent years, and now Ukraine is calling for a boycott of UEFA Youth Competitions as Russia plans its return.
The Ukrainian Football Federation (FFU) has announced that it will not participate in any UEFA Youth Competitions as long as Russia is allowed to take part. The FFU has cited the ongoing military conflict between the two countries as the main reason for their decision.
Russia was banned from all UEFA competitions in 2015 due to its annexation of Crimea, but the ban was lifted in 2018. Since then, Russia has been allowed to participate in UEFA Youth Competitions, but Ukraine is now calling for a boycott.
The FFU believes that allowing Russia to participate in UEFA Youth Competitions is a violation of the principles of fair play and sportsmanship. They argue that the presence of Russian teams in these competitions would be a reminder of the ongoing conflict between the two countries and would be a source of tension and discomfort for Ukrainian players.
The FFU has urged UEFA to reconsider its decision to allow Russia to participate in its Youth Competitions. They have also called on other European football federations to join them in boycotting these competitions if Russia is allowed to take part.
It remains to be seen whether UEFA will heed Ukraine’s call for a boycott or if Russia will be allowed to participate in its Youth Competitions. Either way, it is clear that the political tensions between Ukraine and Russia are having an impact on the world of football.
