RFU supports FIFA's decision not to ban Israel from football tournaments

Maxim Mitrofanov, General Secretary of the Russian Football Union (RFU), said on October 11 that he supported the decision of the International Football Federation (FIFA) not to suspend Israeli teams from international tournaments.

However, Mitrofanov pointed out that FIFA's actions should be consistent, so the next step would be to allow Russian football clubs to participate in international competitions again.

"Israel does not need to be removed, Russia needs to be returned. Sports really should be outside politics. I can support the position of the FIFA president," he said in a conversation with Match TV.

"For some reason, I have a hunch that Israeli football will not be banned"

RFU Secretary General Maxim Mitrofanov — on the possible reaction to events in the Middle East, the double standards of FIFA and UEFA and the decision to leave Pari Nizhny Novgorod in the RPL

FIFA match Director Alisher Nikimbayev said on October 7 that the organization's decision on the issue of Israel's exclusion from football tournaments depends on the position of the United States. The expert noted that the United States is Israel's only remaining ally. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that politics affects football, adding that FIFA President Gianni Infantino is trying to maintain good relations with US President Donald Trump, which influences the decisions of the organization.

Prior to this, it became known that at the FIFA council meeting, which was held in Zurich, the issue of the suspension of Israeli national teams and clubs from participating in international competitions was not raised. According to the "Sport-Express", this topic was not even on the agenda of the meeting.

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