It looks as though a banned European nation is set for a return to FIFA competition, with reports suggesting they’ll be allowed to compete at an international tournament as soon as October.

The ban, which has run for more than four years, has kept senior, youth and women’s sides out of competitive matches, including the 2022 and 2026 World Cups, as well as the 2024 Euros.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has previously hinted at softening his stance, and it now appears children’s football could provide the route back into the fold, starting with a new under-15 competition this autumn.

Gianni Infantino Pushes For Russia’s Reintroduction

Infantino has been vocal about wanting Russia back involved, arguing the suspension has done more harm than good. Speaking earlier this year, he said:

That stance appears to be translating into action, with reports indicating Russia and Belarus are among the nations set to feature at FIFA’s inaugural under-15 World Cup and Festival, running from October 22nd to the 31st, in Azerbaijan.

FIFA confirmed all 211 member associations have been invited, stating: “The first edition will be open to boys’ teams from all FIFA member associations; the second installment in 2027 will feature ⁠girls’ teams only. From 2028 onwards, all member ⁠associations will be invited to participate with both their boys’ and girls’ U-15 teams in two ⁠separate competitions.”

A Symbolic Tournament for Gianni Infantino

The event has taken on added significance for Infantino, who’s also pushed for Israel and Palestine to meet in a symbolic opening fixture. After an attempted handshake between officials from both nations fell flat in April, Infantino referenced the same tournament while appealing for unity:

Whether Russia’s inclusion goes further than football at junior level is something that hasn’t yet been addressed, but the door appears to be opening.

Pele was an extraordinary footballer. He made his senior debut for Brazil at just 16 years old and marked the occasion with a goal against Argentina. Only a year later, he netted twice in a World Cup final, helping Brazil secure World Cup success.

He would go on to lift the trophy twice more during his career and score more than 1,000 goals – though there is debate about the precise number. Whatever the exact total may be, there is little argument that he ranks among the greatest footballers in history.

Pele spent the majority of his club career with Santos in Brazil before later joining American outfit New York Cosmos. As a result, he never featured for a European club. However, that did not stop him from following football on the continent.

Indeed, he once identified a Scottish football legend as the only British player he believed was good enough to represent the Brazil national team.

Pele Was Blown Away by Denis Law

Denis Law remains one of the greatest players ever to wear a Manchester United shirt, collecting two league championships, an FA Cup, a European Cup and the Ballon d’Or during the 1960s.

When he passed away at the age of 85 in January 2025, tributes poured in from across the football world. Among those leading the condolences was legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

According to the BBC, via UnitedInFocus, he recalled a memorable compliment Pele once paid to Law, highlighting just how highly the Brazilian regarded him:

Ferguson also stated that he believed Law was ‘the greatest Scottish player ever’, adding:

“He was a fantastic player and an incredible human being. The great thing is that he did not use his fame, he was so level-headed and down to earth, and we are talking about a guy who had all of these caps for Scotland and is called the ‘King of Old Trafford’.”

It was certainly a fitting tribute from two football icons to a truly exceptional player.

Pele Also Rated English Defender Bobby Moore

Bobby Moore 1966 World Cup

Law was not the only British football great admired by Pele. The Brazilian also had immense respect for England’s World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore. He said:

“It’s hard to say. You see, whoever I played against, I had the best defender marking me, but the best were Bobby Moore and Franz Beckenbauer.”

He later added: “Bob was the best centre-back I’ve seen – so quick up here [points to his head].”

Pele was also a huge admirer of Sir Stanley Matthews, saying the English Ballon d’Or winner “taught us the way football should be played.”

It’s unfortunate that British supporters did not get the opportunity to watch more of Pele in person. Nevertheless, when he arrived in England for the 1966 World Cup, he was already the most famous footballer on the planet, allowing local fans to witness his brilliance first-hand. Unfortunately, injuries limited his impact, and Brazil exited the competition in the first round after playing only three matches.

Arsenal are preparing a second offer to tempt a move for Bruno Guimaraes, according to the Daily Mail, as the Gunners make the Newcastle midfielder one of their top targets this summer.

It comes after an initial proposal for the Brazilian was turned down by the Magpies, with Mikel Arteta keen to get a deal over the line for him in the coming weeks.

The Arsenal midfield ranks have come into focus this summer for potential reinforcements, with an expected exit for Christian Norgaard likely to create space in the squad for an arrival.

With Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Myles Lewis-Skelly at his disposal, Arteta is now seemingly looking for another midfield generalist who can offer some quality.

Guimaraes is now in their sights, and another move is being prepared.

Arsenal Eye Bruno Guimaraes Deal

via Reuters

Arsenal don’t appear to be slowing down in their pursuit of Guimaraes this summer, as the Daily Mail reports that a second offer is now expected from the Premier League champions.

That is despite the club being told, via intermediaries, that Newcastle are not willing to entertain a sale for the Brazilian. He enters the final two years of his contract this summer, coming as a crunch point for most clubs to consider a sale or an extension to the deal.

The report claims that the player’s stance is currently unknown, and it’s unclear whether he will push for an exit or whether he would be open to a new contract.

The 28-year-old has been described as a “top target” for Arteta, however, which may prompt Arsenal to be persistent in their approach for Guimaraes.

It remains to be seen how much the second offer from the North London club will be, and whether it will be enough to create a change of heart at St. James’ Park.

However, it is showing a rapid push from Arsenal to get a deal over the line.

Arsenal Challenge For Bruno Guimaraes

Arsenal may face a prolonged challenge in trying to sign Guimaraes this summer, as Newcastle aren’t under pressure to sell the midfielder, at the moment.

The key sale of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona may have freed up some spending power, while Sandro Tonali continues to be linked with an exit.

That may prevent an exit for Guimaraes, though the contract situation could play a prevalent part in any possible negotiation in the coming weeks.

The two years remaining on his contract mean that this summer could be the final chance for Newcastle to cash-in at a maximum valuation for the star.

However, if he isn’t agitating for an exit, then there may be no need to do so.It could, therefore, depend on the player’s stance and whether he pushes for the transfer to Arsenal.

With the World Cup taking most of his focus at the moment, that stance may not be revealed for a few weeks yet.