Russia’s return to the Olympic Games could have a knock-on effect on their national football team, who have sat out this summer’s World Cup.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has provisionally lifted Russia’s suspension from global competition. This has sparked backlash, particularly from Ukrainian sportspeople, including Wimbledon star Marta Kostyuk, who called the decision “terrible.”
Russia has been banned from FIFA and UEFA competitions since the war in Ukraine in March 2022. The nation’s football teams have since sat out World Cup qualifiers for the 2022 and 2026 tournaments.
FIFA and UEFA Stance on Russia Ban
Despite the IOC’s decision to provisionally lift Russia’s suspension, UEFA are prepared to block Russian teams from returning to international football. That means the country is the only UEFA member association that can’t enter the Euro 2028 qualifying process.
While UEFA haven’t commented, The Guardian claims that several national associations have said there is “no realistic prospect of Russian sides being welcomed back into European football. That also includes the 2030 World Cup because while it is a FIFA tournament, European qualifying is handled by UEFA.
FIFA are expected to review their position on its ban on Russian teams, which has been in place for four years. They have confirmed that they will “analyse the decision before deciding on next steps.”
Both football governing bodies have been embroiled in a stand-off recently amid FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s red card at the World Cup. This allowed Balogun to play in the USA’s 4-1 loss to Belgium in their Round of 16 clash.
US President Donald Trump confirmed that he called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked that the one-game ban be reviewed. He then thanked the sporting body for making the “right decision.”
UEFA responded with a lengthy statement, hitting out at FIFA and expressing its “disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.” Should FIFA opt to follow the IOC in lifting its ban on Russian teams, it will only further harm the two organisations’ relationship.
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Infantino Presidency Could be Key
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Infantino has already hinted at welcoming Russia back to world football, and he holds a close relationship with Vladimir Putin. They worked together when the 2018 World Cup was staged in Russia.
The FIFA President claimed in February: “This ban has not achieved anything, it has just created more frustration and hatred.”
Infantino has come under fire during the build-up and throughout the World Cup for letting politics influence sporting decisions. Many are calling for his removal from his position following the Balogun controversy.
European lawmakers are reportedly gathering evidence to launch a probe into FIFA and Infantino. Should an investigation take place, it could affect any decision to lift the ban on Russian teams.
Didier Deschamps has placed his trust in the Argentine referees ahead of France’s World Cup quarter-final against Morocco tomorrow (July 9th).
There has been plenty of backlash over FIFA’s decision to appoint a team full of Argentine officials for the clash between Les Bleus and the Atlas Lions. Tension between Argentina and France from the 2022 World Cup final has built a rivalry between the two nations.
Deschamps gave a frosty response to questions about the situation and alluded to the refereeing performance in Argentina’s controversial 3-2 win against Morocco. French referee Francois Letexier has come under fire for several contentious decisions made during the Round of 32 game on Sunday.
Deschamps Praise For Argentina vs Egypt Referee
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Letexier ruled out an Egyptian goal after VAR intervened for a tame foul, which would have made it 2-0 to the African nation. A similar challenge occurred in the build-up to Enzo Fernandez’s winner, leaving the Egyptians irate.
Deschamps fielded questions ahead of France’s encounter with Morocco, and many of them focused on the appointment of Argentine officials. He eventually responded to one reporter: “We have to deal with it. I trust the referees. Our opponent is Morocco, not the referee. Let’s hope ours are as good as Monsieur Letexier was.”
FIFA have confirmed that Facundo Tello will referee the game, and he will be supported by assistants Juan Pablo Belatti and Gabriel Chade. Fellow Argentine Dario Herrera has been named the fourth official, making this the first match to be handled exclusively by a single nation.
Tello has a reputation for being card-happy and, in fact, handed out 10 red cards in one match. That came when he officiated the Argentine Super Cup back in 2022 and he’s now set to take charge of one of the biggest games at this year’s World Cup.
France have been the team to beat this summer’s World Cup and head into the game against Morocco as favourites. There is still a chance that a repeat of the 2022 final between the two nations in Qatar takes place.
Argentina are defending their World Cup and overcame Egypt with a late comeback win. The Moroccan manager and players hit out at Letexier’s performance and felt the South Americans and Lionel Messi were handed preferential treatment.
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France Not Concerned
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The feeling in the French camp isn’t one of concern, and the squad are remaining professional rather than focusing on the officiating. Deschamps isn’t the only one from the France team to downplay the appointment’s significance.
Dayot Upamecano has also insisted that it has no impact: “I’m not going to focus on who the referee will be. We’ve never done that before, we’re going to focus on Morocco.”
Should France beat Morocco, they will face either Spain or Belgium in the semi-finals. A meeting with Argentina could take place in the final if Lionel Scaloni’s men defeat Switzerland in the quarter-finals and England or Norway in the semis.
Liverpool are eyeing up a move to sign Wolves star Mateus Mane this summer, but the clubs are well apart on their valuation, according to United in Focus.
The Reds are looking to rebuild their squad under new manager Andoni Iraola after a disappointing campaign in which they finished fifth in the Premier League, and they have seen key players Ibrahima Konate, Andy Robertson, and Mohamed Salah depart since the end of the season.
Iraola has so far been able to bring in Victor Munoz in attack, while young defender Jeremy Jacquet has arrived following a deal being agreed in January, but now the Anfield club are looking at other players they could bring in to bolster the side.
Liverpool Eyeing Wolves Star Mane
According to a report, Liverpool are keeping a close eye on Portugal youth international Mane in the transfer window.
The 18-year-old was one of the standout performers for Wolves in the Premier League last season as they were relegated to the Championship, but he penned a new long-term contract to commit to the club in the long-term.
However, a number of clubs are ready to test Wolves’ resolve following their relegation, with a £35m price tag reportedly put on the attacking midfielder’s head.
But while Liverpool are big fans of the youngster, who has been described as ‘special’, they are not willing to pay anywhere near the £35m asking price currently, and so far have made no plans to lodge a formal bid.
Mane is capable of playing in midfield, as a number ten, or as a winger, and that versatility has seen him impress a number of clubs. But Liverpool aren’t willing to pay such a high fee for a player with such limited first-team experience at the top level, and a deal is not currently expected to happen.
Man Utd are also showing an interest, and while they agree with Liverpool that £35m is said to be too high, they are reportedly eyeing a £20m bid to tempt Wolves. It remains to be seen if Liverpool would consider matching that should they get a positive response.
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Liverpool Must Be Sensible With Budget
While Mane is clearly a top talent and someone who has a bright future in the game, Liverpool are in a position where they have to be sensible with their budget.
The club broke the British transfer record twice last summer in deals that didn’t work out too well, while Arne Slot has been sacked and will be due compensation. But there are also a number of positions that need strengthening this summer, which means they can’t throw the cash around in the same way.
Mane would add something to the squad undoubtedly, but at the steep price of £35m, they must prioritise other players in other positions first and then re-evaluate the situation.
Manchester United have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni after he agreed a contract extension at the Bernabeu, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Red Devils have been pushing to upgrade their midfield options this summer after Casemiro departed at the end of his contract, while Manuel Ugarte has suffered a serious knee injury at the World Cup, leaving Michael Carrick short of options in the middle of the park.
A deal for Ederson has already been agreed with Atalanta, while United also agreed a £50m deal with Chelsea for Andrey Santos on Wednesday afternoon, adding two new faces to the squad. But they now look set to miss out on another top target after Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes.
