The decision to return Russian youth teams to world football can now be changed. Is UEFA really an independent organization?
Less than two weeks have passed since the executive committee of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) announced its intention to allow Russian under-17 teams to participate in international competitions. This was followed by threats of boycotts from a number of European countries, and now the British media are saying that UEFA may change their decision. But what about the care for Russian children that the organization talked about so pathetically? If UEFA really outplays everyone, then it will be impossible to call them anything other than a laughingstock.
How well it all started
At the end of September, UEFA solemnly announced the return of Russian youth teams to the world stage. Moreover, they explained this by the fact that they cannot discriminate against children. It’s strange that it took them a year and a half to figure this out. But better late than never. This is what UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said.
“When we prohibit children from participating in our competitions, we not only do not support the right to their full development, but we also directly discriminate against them. Therefore, we intend to give them the opportunity to play and compete with their peers from all over Europe, in this way we are investing in a brighter and more capable future generation,” said Čeferin.
Then there were statements about boycotts from some European countries. Particularly striking was the example of UEFA Vice-President and head of Swedish sports Karl-Erik Nilsson. At the executive committee, he spoke out for the return of the Russians, but then repented and made a public apology. A few days later, Nilsson announced that he was forced to resign as head of Swedish sports due to the unprecedented pressure that was being put on him.
Disgraceful actions of UEFA
This is such a free Europe. A couple of days later, the British publication The Independent stated that on October 10, at the next UEFA executive committee, the decision on the admission of Russian boys and girls could be reviewed and annulled. According to the British, due to the adopted initiative, Ceferin is under pressure from some national federations. Probably, we are talking about those countries whose representatives previously announced a boycott of tournaments with the participation of Russia.
It’s funny that just recently another British media outlet, Sky News, reported that it was UEFA that was trying to put pressure on the boycotting countries and persuade them to play with Russian football players. Apparently, they did not give in to persuasion, and the pressure worked in the opposite direction.
If UEFA really reconsiders its decision on the admission of our boys and girls, it will once again expose itself to ridicule. Two weeks ago they talked about the inadmissibility of discrimination against Russian children. Nobody pulled Ceferin’s tongue. Now it turns out that discrimination has suddenly become possible. In fact, refusing your own decision will put an end to UEFA as an independent organization. How can you deal with those who change their minds like gloves at the slightest pressure? Or did UEFA initially not understand that not everyone would like Russia’s admission?
